Virusoid

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Virusoids are viruses whose packaging and release depend on the presence of a helper virus in the same infected cell . In contrast to the group of satellite viruses , they can synthesize their genome and virus proteins independently of this second virus. Classically, the viroids do not code for their own packaging proteins; H. Proteins that make up the virus envelope or capsid . The genome of the viroid is associated with its own nucleoproteins. Sometimes satellite viruses are also mistakenly referred to as virusoids.

The best-known virusoid is the hepatitis D virus from the hepatovirus genus , which can only form infectious virions when the hepatitis B virus is also present.

literature

  • S. Modrow, D. Falke, U. Truyen: "Molecular Virology"; Spectrum Academic Publishing House, Heidelberg, Berlin, 2003. ISBN 3-8274-1086-X