Nudivirus

A genus of viruses that infect insects

Nudivirus is a genus of viruses within the family Nudiviridae. These viruses primarily infect insects and are characterized by their large, rod-shaped virions and double-stranded DNA genomes. Nudiviruses are of particular interest in the study of insect pathology and have potential applications in biological control.

Structure

Electron micrograph of a Nudivirus virion

Nudiviruses are large, enveloped viruses with rod-shaped virions. The virion structure is complex, consisting of a nucleocapsid surrounded by a lipid envelope. The nucleocapsid contains the viral genome, which is a large, circular double-stranded DNA molecule. The envelope is derived from the host cell membrane and contains viral glycoproteins that are essential for host cell entry.

Genome

Diagram of the OrNV genome

The genome of nudiviruses is circular and double-stranded, ranging from 96 to 232 kilobase pairs in size. It encodes a variety of proteins necessary for viral replication, assembly, and host interaction. The genome organization is similar to that of other large DNA viruses, with genes arranged in a linear fashion and often overlapping.

Phylogeny

Phylogenetic tree of nudivirus core gene products

Nudiviruses are closely related to other large DNA viruses, such as baculoviruses and hytrosaviruses. Phylogenetic analysis based on core gene products has shown that nudiviruses form a distinct clade within the order Ortervirales. This analysis helps in understanding the evolutionary relationships and divergence among these viruses.

Life Cycle

Nudiviruses have a complex life cycle that involves both lytic and latent phases. During the lytic phase, the virus enters the host cell, replicates its genome, and assembles new virions, which are then released to infect other cells. In the latent phase, the viral genome can integrate into the host genome, allowing the virus to persist in the host without causing immediate cell death.

Host Range and Pathology

Nudiviruses primarily infect insects, including Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Diptera. They can cause significant pathology in their hosts, leading to symptoms such as reduced feeding, growth inhibition, and eventual death. Some nudiviruses have been studied for their potential use in biological control of pest insect populations.

Applications

The study of nudiviruses has implications for both basic virology and applied sciences. Understanding the molecular biology and life cycle of these viruses can lead to the development of novel insect control strategies. Additionally, nudiviruses can serve as models for studying virus-host interactions and viral evolution.

Related Pages

• Baculovirus
• Hytrosavirus
• Insect virology