[[Mymonaviridae|Mymonaviridae]] is a family of viruses within the order [[Mononegavirales]]. These are negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses known to infect [[insects]].
Etymology
The name "Mymonaviridae" is derived from the Greek word "mymon," meaning "silkworm." This refers to Bombyx mori mymonovirus, a species originally isolated from the silkworm ([[Bombyx mori]]) and foundational to the family's characterization.Taxonomy
The family Mymonaviridae is classified as follows:- Realm: [[Riboviria]]
- Kingdom: [[Orthornavirae]]
- Phylum: [[Negarnaviricota]]
- Class: [[Monjiviricetes]]
- Order: [[Mononegavirales]]
- Family: Mymonaviridae
- Genera:
- [[Aeromymonovirus]]
- [[Bombyxmymonovirus]]
- [[Orthrusmymonovirus]]
- [[Peridromamymonovirus]]
- [[Phasymonovirus]]
- [[Planthoppermymonovirus]]
- [[Solenopsisinvictamymonovirus]]
- [[Venommymonovirus]]
- Genera:
Virion Structure
Mymonaviruses are enveloped viruses with a pleomorphic (variable) morphology, typically appearing spherical to ovoid, with diameters ranging from approximately 100 to 200 [[nanometer|nm]]. The viral envelope, which surrounds the nucleocapsid, is derived from the host cell membrane and features embedded viral glycoproteins responsible for host cell recognition and entry. The nucleocapsid itself is helical and encloses the viral genome.Genome
The genome of mymonaviruses consists of a single, linear molecule of negative-sense, single-stranded RNA (ssRNA). The size of the genome typically ranges from about 14.5 to 16.5 [[kilobase|kilobases (kb)]]. It encodes approximately six to seven genes, arranged sequentially, which are transcribed individually.Replication Cycle
Replication of mymonaviruses occurs entirely within the [[cytoplasm]] of infected host cells, a characteristic shared with other viruses in the order Mononegavirales.- Attachment and Entry: The virus initiates infection by attaching to specific receptor molecules on the surface of a susceptible host cell. This is followed by entry into the cell, most likely through receptor-mediated [[endocytosis]]. The viral envelope then fuses with the endosomal membrane, releasing the viral nucleocapsid into the cytoplasm.
- Transcription: Upon entry, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is packaged within the virion, begins to transcribe the negative-sense genomic RNA into individual positive-sense [[messenger RNA|mRNAs]]. These mRNAs are subsequently translated by the host cell's ribosomes to produce viral proteins.
- Replication: The RdRp also synthesizes full-length positive-sense antigenomic RNA molecules from the genomic RNA template. These antigenomes then serve as templates for the synthesis of new negative-sense genomic RNA molecules.
- Assembly and Budding: Newly synthesized genomic RNA molecules and viral structural proteins self-assemble into new nucleocapsids. These nucleocapsids then migrate to the host cell's plasma membrane, where they acquire their lipid envelope by budding outwards, releasing mature progeny virions from the cell.
Host Range and Diseases
Mymonaviridae viruses are known to infect a diverse range of insects.- Species within the genus [[Bombyxmymonovirus]], such as Bombyx mori mymonovirus, primarily infect [[silkworms]] (Bombyx mori), causing symptoms like reduced growth, lethargy, and increased mortality rates in larvae.
- Viruses in the genus [[Planthoppermymonovirus]] infect various species of [[planthopper]]s, which are agricultural pests. These viruses have potential applications as [[biological pest control|biocontrol agents]].
- Solenopsis invicta mymonovirus 1, a species in the genus [[Solenopsisinvictamymonovirus]], infects the red imported [[fire ant]] ([[Solenopsis invicta]]), impacting ant colony health.
- Other genera infect various insects, contributing to their pathogenicity and population dynamics.
References
- [[International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses|International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV)]]
- [[National Center for Biotechnology Information|National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)]]