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Human norovirus GII genotypic diversity in Gwangju, South Korea, based on ORF1-ORF2 junction (RdRp-VP1) analysis from 2020 to 2024

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study analyzed human norovirus genogroup II (GII) strains detected in Gwangju, South Korea, between 2020 and 2024, focusing on genetic diversity and recombination at the ORF1-ORF2 junction involving the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp, ORF1) and the major capsid protein VP1 (ORF2). Using year-round surveillance-based clinical samples, the analysis revealed that recombination events near the ORF1-ORF2 junction were a major driver of genotype replacement over time. Multiple recombinant lineages, including GII.4[P16], GII.17[P31], GII.3[P25], and the emergent, rarely reported genotype GII.7[P7], were detected during the study period. Although the RdRp gene is relatively conserved, sequence variation accumulating near the ORF1-ORF2 boundary may facilitate the emergence of new recombinant RdRp-VP1 combinations. These findings indicate that gene exchange at the ORF1-ORF2 junction plays a central role in shaping human norovirus genetic diversity.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-50533-y