Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV), the most dangerous human pathogen among the Arenaviridae, belongs to a complex of genetically related virus strains responsible for the deaths of thousands of people in West Africa each year. The virus has a bi-segmented (L and S) single-stranded RNA genome. Each segment contains two genes in ambisense orientation. The L RNA encodes a large protein, L, or RdRp and a small zinc-binding, Z protein. The S RNA encodes the major structural proteins, nucleoprotein (NP) and glycoprotein precursor (GPC), cleaved into signal peptide, GP1, and GP2 glycoproteins. Genetic diversity among LASV strains is the highest within the family Arenaviridae and NP and RdRp genes are the most variable among LASV genes. The LASV genetic diversity is a great challenge for vaccine development. In addition to LASV and the prototype lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), the Old World group of arenaviruses includes three other related viruses, Mopeia (MOPV), Mobala (MOBV), and Ippy (IPPYV). These viruses as well as a MOP/LAS reassortant carrying the L RNA segment from MOPV and S RNA segment from LASV are non-pathogenic for experimental animals and are able to induce protective immunity against LASV. Lassa Fever pathogenesis is a sum of the effects induced by viral replication and immune response. The goal of this review is to cover recent publications on viral and host genes that control LASV virulence. The full-length genome sequence of LASV isolates and LASV-related nonpathogenic arenaviruses will provide a useful genetic tool to map LASV genes involved in virulence and to gain insight into phylogeny and evolution of the Old World arenaviruses.
Keywords: Arenaviruses, Lassa fever, Lassa virus, RNA segments, genome
Current Genomics
Title: Lassa Virus Genome
Volume: 7 Issue: 6
Author(s): Igor S. Lukashevich and Maria S. Salvato
Affiliation:
Keywords: Arenaviruses, Lassa fever, Lassa virus, RNA segments, genome
Abstract: Lassa virus (LASV), the most dangerous human pathogen among the Arenaviridae, belongs to a complex of genetically related virus strains responsible for the deaths of thousands of people in West Africa each year. The virus has a bi-segmented (L and S) single-stranded RNA genome. Each segment contains two genes in ambisense orientation. The L RNA encodes a large protein, L, or RdRp and a small zinc-binding, Z protein. The S RNA encodes the major structural proteins, nucleoprotein (NP) and glycoprotein precursor (GPC), cleaved into signal peptide, GP1, and GP2 glycoproteins. Genetic diversity among LASV strains is the highest within the family Arenaviridae and NP and RdRp genes are the most variable among LASV genes. The LASV genetic diversity is a great challenge for vaccine development. In addition to LASV and the prototype lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), the Old World group of arenaviruses includes three other related viruses, Mopeia (MOPV), Mobala (MOBV), and Ippy (IPPYV). These viruses as well as a MOP/LAS reassortant carrying the L RNA segment from MOPV and S RNA segment from LASV are non-pathogenic for experimental animals and are able to induce protective immunity against LASV. Lassa Fever pathogenesis is a sum of the effects induced by viral replication and immune response. The goal of this review is to cover recent publications on viral and host genes that control LASV virulence. The full-length genome sequence of LASV isolates and LASV-related nonpathogenic arenaviruses will provide a useful genetic tool to map LASV genes involved in virulence and to gain insight into phylogeny and evolution of the Old World arenaviruses.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Lukashevich S. Igor and Salvato S. Maria, Lassa Virus Genome, Current Genomics 2006; 7 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920206778948673
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920206778948673 |
Print ISSN 1389-2029 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5488 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advanced AI Techniques in Big Genomic Data Analysis
The thematic issue on "Advanced AI Techniques in Big Genomic Data Analysis" aims to explore the cutting-edge methodologies and applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of genomic research, where vast amounts of data pose both challenges and opportunities. This issue will cover a broad spectrum of AI-driven strategies, ...read more
Applications of Single-cell Sequencing Technology in Reproductive Medicine
Single cell sequencing (SCS) technology utilizes individual cells' genetic material to sequence their genome, transcriptome, and epigenetics at the molecular level. It offers insights into cell heterogeneity and enables the study of limited biological materials. Since its recognition as a valuable technique in 2011, single cell sequencing has yielded numerous ...read more
Current Genomics in Cardiovascular Research
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the world, in recent years we have had important advances in the interaction between cardiovascular disease and genomics. In this Research Topic, we intend for researchers to present their results with a focus on basic, translational and clinical investigations associated with ...read more
Deep learning in Single Cell Analysis
The field of biology is undergoing a revolution in our ability to study individual cells at the molecular level, and to integrate data from multiple sources and modalities. This has been made possible by advances in technologies for single-cell sequencing, multi-omics profiling, spatial transcriptomics, and high-throughput imaging, as well as ...read more
Related Journals
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Ethanol Metabolism and Effects: Nitric Oxide and its Interaction
Current Clinical Pharmacology Therapeutic Approaches to the Challenge of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Re-Examining the Need for Tissue Diagnosis in Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Gliomas: A Review
Current Neuropharmacology Cell Death in Mammalian Development
Current Pharmaceutical Design Biofilm Formation by Candida albicans is Inhibited by 4,4-Dichloro Diphenyl Diselenide (pCl-PhSe)<sub>2</sub>
Current Drug Discovery Technologies The Retrogenesis Model in Alzheimer’s Disease: Evidence and Pract ical Applications
Current Psychiatry Reviews Islet-Brain (IB)/JNK-Interacting Proteins (JIPs): Future Targets for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Current Neurovascular Research The ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter-2 (ABCA2) Overexpression Modulates Sphingosine Levels and Transcription of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Gene
Current Alzheimer Research NMDA Receptor Pharmacology: Perspectives from Molecular Biology
Current Drug Targets The Role of Brain Gaseous Transmitters in the Regulation of the Circulatory System
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Effect of Ouabain on the Immune System
Current Hypertension Reviews A Review of PCSK9 Inhibitors and their Effects on Cardiovascular Diseases
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Molecular Mechanisms, Biological Actions, and Neuropharmacology of the Growth-Associated Protein GAP-43
Current Neuropharmacology Changes in Immune and Endocrine Systems in Scrapie-Infected Animals
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents Cannabinoids: Between Neuroprotection and Neurotoxicity
Current Drug Targets - CNS & Neurological Disorders P2X7 Receptor Orchestrates Multiple Signalling Pathways Triggering Inflammation, Autophagy and Metabolic/Trophic Responses
Current Medicinal Chemistry Pharmacophores for Ligand Recognition and Activation / Inactivation of the Cannabinoid Receptors
Current Pharmaceutical Design Novel Aspects of Neuronal Differentiation In Vitro and Monitoring with Advanced Biosensor Tools
Current Medicinal Chemistry GABAB Receptors-Associated Proteins: Potential Drug Targets in Neurological Disorders?
Current Drug Targets Diagnostic Value of the Early Heart-to-Mediastinum Count Ratio in Cardiac 123I-mIBG Imaging for Parkinson's Disease
Current Radiopharmaceuticals