Orthoreovirus
A Viral Biorealm page on the genus Orthoreovirus
Baltimore Classification
Higher order taxa
Virus; dsRNA viruses; Reoviridae; Orthoreovirus
Species
Avian orthoreovirus, Baboon orthoreovirus, Mammalian orhtoreovirus, Nelson Bay orthoreovirus, Reptilian orhtoreovirus
Description and Significance
The orthoreovirus infects invertebrates, plants and vertebrates. The defining characheristics for this genus are a genome comprising 10 segments of dsRNA grouped into large, medium, and small size-classes which encode the corresponding E, A, and j-class viral proteins; a polycistronic S-class genome segment encoding 2-3 distinct gene products; a double-shelled capsid of approximately 85 nm diameter with turret-like structure projecting from the verticles of the core particle; and isolation from vertebrate hosts.
Genome Structure
The genome of orthoreovirus is monomeric, segmented and consists of ten segments of linear double-stranded RNA. The complete genome is 23700 nucleotides long. L1 is sequenced but only an estimate is available. The sequence is 3800-3900 nucleotides long. L2 is sequenced and the complete sequence is 3800-3900 nucleotides long. L3 is sequenced too but only an estimate is given and the complete sequence is 3800-3900 nucleotides long as well. M1 has been fully sequenced and the complete sequence is 2200-2300 nucleotides long. M2 has been sequenced as well and is a long as M1 but only an estimate of the sequence is presented. S2 and S3 are sequenced and are 1200-1400 nucleotides long but only an estimate is presented. S4 has also been completely sequenced and is 1200-1400 nucleotides long. The 5'-end of the genome has a methylated nucleotide cap. On the positive strand of each duplex, the negative strands have a phosphorylated terminus and the cap sequence type is m7G5ppp5'GmpNp. The multipartite genome is found in one type of particle only. Each virion contains a single copy of the genome but it may be a full length copy or shorter copies. (source: ICTV dB Descriptions)
Virion Structure of an Orthoreovirus
The virions of an orthoreovirus consist of a capsid, a core and a nucleoprotein complex. The virus capsid is not enveloped, isometric with icosahedral symmetry and has a diameter of 80-82 nm. The capsid shells of virions are composed of two layers. All the shells are usually present. The capsids appear round and the surface structure reveals a regular pattern with distinctive features. The capsomer arrangement is clearly visible and surface projections are not present. The inner capsids are the core and have a diameter of 60 nm. The core is spherical and consists of dsRNA genome with a diameter of 49 nm. The end of the fibers protrude almost through to the capsid surface. (source: ICTV dB Descriptions)
Reproductive Cycle of an Orthoreovirus in a Host Cell
The replication of orthoreovirus takes place in the cytoplasm. The virus enters the cell either by receptor mediated endocytosis or as a result of digestion with chymotrypsin in the intestine. Intermediate subviral particles may pass into the cytoplasm by the endosmal pathway or directly. (Also see Reoviridae)
Viral Ecology & Pathology
The gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tracts are involved in most of the human orthoreovirus infections. The infections are asymptomic but occasionally produce mild febrile illness, or very rarely, serious complications.
References
Roy Duncan, Jennifer Corcoran, Jingyun Shou, Don Stoltz; "Reptilian reovirus: a new fusogenic orthoreovirus species"; Virology 319; 2004
