Seneca Valley virus

Seneca Valley virus (SVV) is a Picornavirus that was first identified in 2002. It is a single-stranded RNA virus that is non-enveloped and has an icosahedral capsid. The virus is named after the location of its discovery, Seneca Valley, Maryland, USA.

Discovery

The Seneca Valley virus was discovered in 2002 during a routine screening of cell cultures for contaminants. The virus was found in a PER.C6 cell line, a proprietary cell line developed by Crucell Holland B.V. for the production of human vaccines and gene therapy.

Classification

The Seneca Valley virus is a member of the Picornaviridae family, which includes other well-known viruses such as Poliovirus, Coxsackievirus, and Rhinovirus. It is the only member of the genus Senecavirus.

Structure

The Seneca Valley virus is a non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. It has an icosahedral capsid, which is a common structure for viruses in the Picornaviridae family. The virus's genome is approximately 7.3 kilobases in length.

Pathogenesis

The Seneca Valley virus is known to cause vesicular disease in pigs, which is characterized by the formation of vesicles and erosions on the snout and feet of the animal. However, the virus is not known to cause disease in humans.

Research and potential uses

Research into the Seneca Valley virus has suggested potential uses in cancer therapy. The virus has been found to selectively infect tumor cells, particularly those of neuroendocrine origin. This has led to the exploration of the virus as a potential oncolytic agent.

See also

• Picornaviridae
• Oncolytic virus
• Vesicular disease