Myxoma Virus
Characteristics of the symbiont/pathogen
What kind of microbe is it (eg Cell morphology, shape, phylogenetic classification)? Is its genome sequenced, and if so, how big is the genome?
Characteristics of the host
The host of the myxoma virus is European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In this specific host, the myxoma virus causes a deadly infection in called myxomatosis. The myxoma virus can infect other types of rabbits (including the American rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus), but only causes myxomatosis in European rabbits. The virus causes a tumor at the infection sight of the rabbits and causes swelling of the adjacent connective tissues. Secondary myxoma tumors are found on other areas of infected rabbits.
Host-Symbiont Interaction
What kind of interaction do host and symbiont have? How is the host affected by the relationship? How does the host acquire and transmit the symbiont? Is the interaction obligate or facultative?
Molecular Insights into the Symbiosis
The myxoma virus has a M-T7 protein that is specific in that it specifically binds rabbit IFN-gamma. By doing this, the M-T7 protein inhibits a regulatory cytokine that controls the host’s immune response to viral infections. Additionally, M11L genes prevent virus-induced apoptosis in infected rabbit T lymphocytes. This extends the host range by inhibiting the apoptosis in the T lymphocytes that are infected.
Ecological and Evolutionary Aspects
What is the evolutionary history of the interaction? Do particular environmental factors play a role in regulating the symbiosis?
Recent Discoveries
Describe two findings on the symbiosis published within the last two years.
References
[Sample reference] [[1] Seemanapalli SV, Xu Q, McShan K, Liang FT. 2010. Outer surface protein C is a dissemination-facilitating factor of Borrelia burgdorferi during mammalian infection. PLoS One 5:e15830.]
Edited by [insert your names here!], students of Grace Lim-Fong
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