Human JC Polyomavirus
A Microbial Biorealm page on the genus Human JC Polyomavirus
Classification
Higher order taxa
Viruses; dsDNA viruses, no RNA stage; Polyomaviridae; Polyomavirus
Species
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NCBI: Taxonomy |
JC virus
Description and significance
The JC virus was first isolated from a brain in a patient with Hodgkin’s disease in 1971. The patient was also suffering from Progressive multifocal leaukoencephalopathy (PML). The virus is named after the patient’s initials. The JC virus is a double-stranded DNA virus with a very small genome. It is strictly a human virus whose viral chromosome structure is very similar to its host chromatin.#5 JC virus have a very simple genome. Inside its human host it can establish three kinds of infections: latent, persistent, and active infections. The infections are established depending on the strength of the host’s immune system, and the tissue type that is infected. (7.). Latent infections occur in the kidney tissue. Persistent infections occur in renal proximal tubule cells, and active infections occur in the oligodendrocyte glial cells in the central nervous system. (8.) These cells specifically support replication of the virus. Active infections destroy oligodendrocytes and lead to a disease known as Progressive multifocal leaukoencephalopathy (PML). (7.) The JC virus infection is extremely widespread, and currently there no cure for when the virus become active.
Genome structure
Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence?
Cell structure and metabolism
Interesting features of cell structure; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.
Ecology
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
Current Research
Enter summarries of the most rescent research here--at least three required
References
Edited by student of Emily Lilly at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
