Mimiviridae
| Mimiviridae | |
|---|---|
| Virus classification | |
| Group: | Group I (dsDNA) |
| Family: | Mimiviridae |
| Genera | |
Mimiviridae is a family of viruses. Amoeba and other protists serve as natural hosts. The family is divided in 3 subfamilies. Viruses in this family belong to the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA virus clade (NCLDV).
The first member of this family—the Mimivirus—was discovered in 2003.
Group: dsDNA
The genus is currently divided into three subfamilies. One subfamily (Mimivirus) is divided into three "lineages": A (includes Acanthamoeba polyphaga Mimivirus, Samba virus), B (includes Moumouvirus) and C (includes Courdo7, Courdo 11, LBA111, Megavirus chilensis and Terra1). The majority of Mimiviridaes appear to be Mimiviruses. The second subfamily (Cafeteriavirus) includes the Cafeteria roenbergensis virus. The Klosneuvirinae have been proposed as a third subfamily and are divided into four "lineages": Klosneuvirus, Indivirus, Catovirus and Hokovirus.
Although only a couple of members of this family have been described in detail it seems likely there are many more awaiting description and assignment.
Viruses in Mimiviridae have icosahedral and round geometries, with between T=972 and T=1141, or T=1200 symmetry. The diameter is around 400 nm, with a length of 125 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 1200kb in length. The genome has 911 open reading frames.
Replication follows the DNA strand displacement model. DNA-templated transcription is the method of transcription. Amoeba serve as the natural host.
Within the genome of Lentille virus integrated genome of a virophage (Sputnik 2) and a transpoviron—a mobile genetic element—have been reported. Transpovirons are linear DNA elements of about 7 kilobases that encompass six to eight protein coding genes, two of which are homologous to virophage genes. Broad spectrum of mimiviridae virophage allows its isolation using a mimivirus reporter.
Mimiviruses have been associated with pneumonia but their significance if any is currently unknown. The only virus of this family isolated from a human to date is LBA 111.Mimivirus has also been implicated in rheumatoid arthritis.
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