Quadriviridae


Quadriviridae is a family of double-stranded RNA viruses with a single genus Quadrivirus.[1] The fungi Rosellinia necatrix serves as a natural host. The name of the group derives from the quadripartite genome of its members where in Latin quad means four. There is only one species in this family: Rosellinia necatrix quadrivirus 1.[2][3]

Mycoviruses in the family Quadriviridae have a non-enveloped isometric capsid which consists of 60 copies of heterodimers of the structural proteins P2 and P4. The diameter of the capsid is around 48 nm.[2][3]

Family member genomes are composed of double-stranded RNA. They are divided in to four segments which each code for a protein. The length of the different segments are between 3.5 and 5.0 kbp. The total genome is around 16.8 kbp. Inside the capsid with the genome there is also the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.[2][3]

Quadriviruses are transmitted internally. They are propagated during cell division and hyphal anastomosis. Viral replication occurs in the cytoplasm. It follows the double-stranded RNA virus replication model. Double-stranded RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. The fungi Rosellinia necatrix serves as a natural host.[2][3]