Work

In Vitro Characterization of a Koala Retrovirus

Year: 2006

Type: article

Abstract: Recently, a new endogenous koala gammaretrovirus, designated KoRV, was isolated from koalas. The KoRV genome shares 78% nucleotide identity with another gammaretrovirus, gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV). KoRV is endogenous in koalas, while GALV is exogenous, suggesting that KoRV predates GALV and that gibbons and koalas acquired the virus at different times from a common source. We have determined that subtle adaptive differences between the KoRV and GALV envelope genes account for differences in their receptor utilization properties. KoRV represents a unique example of a gammaretrovirus whose envelope has evolved to allow for its expanded host range and zoonotic potential.

Source: Journal of Virology

DOI: 10.1128/jvi.80.6.3104-3107.2006

Authors: Nidia M. Oliveira, Karen B. Farrell, Maribeth V. Eiden

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health

Language: English

Topic: T-cell and Retrovirus Studies

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

OpenAlex ID: W2146358616

FWCI: 1.058

Cites: 15

Cited by: 71

Related to: 10