Double-stranded RNA viruses: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:32, 15 February 2025

Overview[edit]

Double-stranded RNA viruses are a diverse group of viruses that have a genome composed of double-stranded RNA. These viruses are known to infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, animals, plants, and fungi. The double-stranded RNA genome is a unique feature that distinguishes these viruses from other types of RNA viruses, which typically have single-stranded RNA genomes.

Structure[edit]

The structure of double-stranded RNA viruses is characterized by a segmented genome, which is enclosed within a protein shell known as a capsid. The capsid provides protection to the viral RNA and plays a crucial role in the virus's ability to infect host cells. Some double-stranded RNA viruses, such as rotavirus, have a triple-layered capsid that enhances their stability and infectivity.

Replication[edit]

Replication of double-stranded RNA viruses occurs in the cytoplasm of the host cell. The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing new RNA strands using the double-stranded RNA as a template. This process involves the transcription of the double-stranded RNA into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then translated into viral proteins by the host's ribosomes.

Pathogenesis[edit]

Double-stranded RNA viruses are associated with a variety of diseases in their hosts. For example, rotavirus is a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. The infection is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. The virus primarily targets the cells of the small intestine, leading to inflammation and impaired absorption of nutrients.

Immune Response[edit]

The host immune system recognizes double-stranded RNA as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), triggering an innate immune response. This response includes the production of interferons and the activation of natural killer cells and other immune cells. The adaptive immune response is also activated, leading to the production of specific antibodies that target the virus.

Classification[edit]

Double-stranded RNA viruses are classified into several families, including:

Reoviridae: This family includes rotavirus, which is a major cause of viral gastroenteritis.
Birnaviridae: Known for infecting fish and birds.
Totiviridae: Infects fungi and protozoa.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Double-stranded RNA viruses''' ('''dsRNA viruses''') are a diverse group of [[virus|viruses]] that replicate their genomes using double-stranded RNA. They are part of the larger group of [[RNA virus|RNA viruses]], but are distinct due to their unique replication process and the structure of their genomes.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Double-stranded RNA viruses}}
-== Classification ==
+== Overview ==
+[[File:Rotavirus.jpg|thumb|right|Rotavirus, a double-stranded RNA virus]]
-Double-stranded RNA viruses are classified into several families, including [[Reoviridae]], [[Birnaviridae]], [[Cystoviridae]], and [[Partitiviridae]]. Each of these families contains viruses that infect a wide range of hosts, from bacteria and fungi to plants and animals.
+Double-stranded RNA viruses are a diverse group of [[viruses]] that have a genome composed of double-stranded [[RNA]]. These viruses are known to infect a wide range of hosts, including [[humans]], [[animals]], [[plants]], and [[fungi]]. The double-stranded RNA genome is a unique feature that distinguishes these viruses from other types of RNA viruses, which typically have single-stranded RNA genomes.
 == Structure ==
+The structure of double-stranded RNA viruses is characterized by a segmented genome, which is enclosed within a protein shell known as a [[capsid]]. The capsid provides protection to the viral RNA and plays a crucial role in the virus's ability to infect host cells. Some double-stranded RNA viruses, such as [[rotavirus]], have a triple-layered capsid that enhances their stability and infectivity.
-The [[viral particle]] of dsRNA viruses is typically icosahedral in shape and contains a capsid that protects the double-stranded RNA genome. The genome itself is segmented, meaning it is divided into several separate pieces, each of which encodes a different protein or set of proteins.
 == Replication ==
+Replication of double-stranded RNA viruses occurs in the [[cytoplasm]] of the host cell. The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing new RNA strands using the double-stranded RNA as a template. This process involves the transcription of the double-stranded RNA into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then translated into viral proteins by the host's [[ribosomes]].
-The replication process of dsRNA viruses is unique among RNA viruses. Instead of using the host cell's machinery to replicate their genomes, dsRNA viruses carry their own [[RNA-dependent RNA polymerase]], an enzyme that synthesizes new RNA strands from the viral RNA template. This allows the virus to replicate its genome within the protective capsid, avoiding the host cell's antiviral defenses.
 == Pathogenesis ==
+Double-stranded RNA viruses are associated with a variety of diseases in their hosts. For example, rotavirus is a leading cause of severe [[gastroenteritis]] in young children worldwide. The infection is characterized by symptoms such as [[diarrhea]], [[vomiting]], and [[fever]]. The virus primarily targets the cells of the small intestine, leading to inflammation and impaired absorption of nutrients.
-Double-stranded RNA viruses are responsible for a variety of diseases in humans and other animals. For example, [[Rotavirus]], a member of the Reoviridae family, is a major cause of severe diarrhea in children. Other dsRNA viruses, such as those in the Birnaviridae family, can cause disease in poultry and other birds.
+== Immune Response ==
+The host immune system recognizes double-stranded RNA as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), triggering an innate immune response. This response includes the production of [[interferons]] and the activation of [[natural killer cells]] and other immune cells. The adaptive immune response is also activated, leading to the production of specific [[antibodies]] that target the virus.
-== Research and Treatment ==
+== Classification ==
+Double-stranded RNA viruses are classified into several families, including:
-Research into dsRNA viruses has provided important insights into the biology of RNA viruses and the mechanisms of viral replication. This research has also led to the development of antiviral drugs and vaccines, such as the [[rotavirus vaccine]], which has significantly reduced the global burden of rotavirus disease.
+* [[Reoviridae]]: This family includes rotavirus, which is a major cause of viral gastroenteritis.
+* [[Birnaviridae]]: Known for infecting fish and birds.
-== See Also ==
+* [[Totiviridae]]: Infects fungi and protozoa.
+== Related pages ==
 * [[RNA virus]]
 * [[Viral replication]]
 * [[Viral pathogenesis]]
+* [[Immune response to viruses]]
+[[Category:RNA viruses]]
 [[Category:Virology]]
-[[Category:RNA viruses]]
-{{virus-stub}}