Summary auto-generated
This study characterizes M1146, a virus isolated from Microtus montanus voles in Oregon, USA in 1962. Molecular sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that M1146 is a member of the Picornaviridae family, most closely related to Ljungan viruses (LVs) previously isolated from Swedish bank voles. The M1146 genome exhibits typical LV organization, including a polyprotein-encoding region with a unique cluster of two 2A protein homologues. While the non-structural proteins show 84-86% amino acid identity to Swedish LVs, the capsid protein region (P1) is more divergent at 73% identity, with variable positions primarily in surface-exposed regions known as neutralizing antigenic sites. Phylogenetic analysis places M1146 in a distinct monophyletic group with other LVs, separated from other picornaviruses. The discovery of LVs in both Swedish and North American rodent populations spanning over 30 years suggests widespread geographic distribution. Based on sequence divergence and genomic characteristics, the authors propose M1146 represents a new genotype within the LV clade, supporting the establishment of LV as a distinct genus within Picornaviridae.
Key findings
- M1146 is confirmed as a picornavirus most closely related to Swedish Ljungan virus isolates, with 80-81% polyprotein amino acid identity
- M1146 represents a new LV genotype, distinguished by divergent capsid proteins (73% identity) while maintaining conserved non-structural regions (84-86% identity)
- LV possesses unique molecular features including a distinctive VP1 C-terminal extension and a cluster of two diverse 2A protein homologues not found in other picornaviruses
- Ljungan virus isolates from both North America and Sweden, collected over 30+ years, cluster together phylogenetically as a distinct monophyletic group separate from other Picornaviridae
- The data support establishment of Ljungan virus as a new genus within the Picornaviridae family
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Abstract
1 Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences, University of Kalmar, S-391 82 Kalmar, Sweden
2 Nya Apodemus, Grevgatan 38, S-114 53 Stockholm, Sweden
3 University of Texas Medical Branch, Department of Pathology, Centre for Tropical Diseases, Galveston, USA
4 Picornaviral Research Unit, Discipline of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of Newcastle, David Maddison Clinical Sciences Building, Royal Newcastle Hospital, Newcastle, 2300 New South Wales, Australia