Deltaretrovirus | |
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Virus classification | |
(unranked): | Virus |
Realm: | Riboviria |
Kingdom: | Pararnavirae |
Phylum: | Artverviricota |
Class: | Revtraviricetes |
Order: | Ortervirales |
Family: | Retroviridae |
Subfamily: | Orthoretrovirinae |
Genus: | Deltaretrovirus |
Species | |
Deltaretrovirus is a genus of the Retroviridae family. It consists of exogenous horizontally transmitted viruses found in several groups of mammals. As of 2023 [update], ICTV lists under this genus the Bovine leukemia virus and three species of primate T-lymphotropic virus.
The genus of viruses is known for its propensity to target immune cells and oncogenity, evident in the names of the four named species. [1] Infection is usually asymptomatic, but inflammation and cancer can develop over time. [2]
Four species are recognized by the ICTV as of 2023:
Two additional PTLVs are known but not regonized: HTLV-4 ( South Cameroon, 2005) and STLV-5 (Mac B43 strain, highly divergent PTLV-1). [3]
In addition, eight endogenous retroviruses identified as Deltaretrovirus are known as of 2019. Two of these were complete enough to show ORFs; the rest only showing long terminal repeats. [1]
Known exogenous deltaretroviruses infect cattle and primates. [1]
The two complete endogenous ones were found in bats and dolphins; the others in Solenodon, mongoose, and fossa. These endogenous examples fill in the large gap in the host range. [1]