Orthoretrovirinae

Orthoretrovirinae is a subfamily of retroviruses that includes six genera: Alpharetrovirus, Betaretrovirus, Gammaretrovirus, Deltaretrovirus, Epsilonretrovirus, and Lentivirus. These viruses are characterized by their replication strategy, which involves the reverse transcription of their RNA genome into DNA by the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase. This DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome, allowing the virus to hijack the host's cellular machinery to produce new virus particles.

Genera

The Orthoretrovirinae subfamily is divided into six genera, each of which includes different species of retroviruses:

• Alpharetrovirus: This genus includes viruses such as the Avian leukosis virus and the Rous sarcoma virus, which infect birds.
• Betaretrovirus: This genus includes the Mouse mammary tumor virus and the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus.
• Gammaretrovirus: This genus includes the Murine leukemia virus and the Feline leukemia virus.
• Deltaretrovirus: This genus includes the Human T-lymphotropic virus and the Bovine leukemia virus.
• Epsilonretrovirus: This genus includes the Walleye dermal sarcoma virus.
• Lentivirus: This genus includes the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the Feline immunodeficiency virus.

Replication

Orthoretrovirinae viruses replicate by reverse transcription, a process in which the viral RNA genome is converted into DNA by the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase. This DNA is then integrated into the host cell's genome by the viral enzyme integrase. Once integrated, the viral DNA, known as a provirus, can use the host's cellular machinery to produce new virus particles.

Pathogenesis

Orthoretrovirinae viruses can cause a variety of diseases in their hosts. For example, HIV, a lentivirus, causes AIDS in humans, while the Feline leukemia virus, a gammaretrovirus, can cause cancer in cats. The pathogenesis of these viruses is often related to their ability to integrate their DNA into the host's genome, which can disrupt normal cellular functions and lead to disease.

See also

• Retrovirus
• Reverse transcription
• Viral replication

Orthoretrovirinae Resources
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