Spumaretrovirinae

Spumaretrovirinae is a subfamily of retroviruses, also known as foamy viruses. They are named for the characteristic 'foamy' appearance of the cytopathic effect induced in cell culture. Foamy viruses are widespread in mammals, and in contrast to the related Orthoretrovirinae, do not cause disease in their natural hosts.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

The subfamily Spumaretrovirinae includes the following genera:

Structure[edit | edit source]

Spumaretrovirinae viruses are enveloped, with spherical to pleomorphic geometries. The diameter is around 100 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 12kb in length.

Life Cycle[edit | edit source]

Viral replication is complex, and depends on the host cell cycle. The virus enters the host cell by membrane fusion. Replication follows the DNA strand displacement model. DNA-templated transcription, with some alternative splicing mechanism is the method of transcription. Translation takes place by -1 ribosomal frameshifting, and RNA termination-reinitiation. The virus exits the host cell by budding, and nuclear pore export. Mammals serve as the natural host.

Pathogenesis[edit | edit source]

Unlike other retroviruses, foamy viruses are not known to cause disease in their natural hosts. However, zoonotic transmission to humans can occur, particularly from non-human primates. The clinical significance of such infections is currently unknown.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

NCBI Taxonomy Browser

Spumaretrovirinae Resources
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