DEPENDOPARVOVIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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Dependoparvovirus is a term used to describe a specific genus of viruses that belongs to the Parvoviridae family. This group of viruses is characterized by their dependency on certain helper viruses, such as adenovirus or herpesvirus, to complete their lifecycle and replicate within host cells.
Dependoparvoviruses are small, non-enveloped viruses that possess a single-stranded DNA genome. They are typically spherical or icosahedral in shape, ranging from 18 to 26 nanometers in diameter. These viruses are known for their specific tropism towards dividing cells, particularly in vertebrate hosts.
The name "dependoparvovirus" derives from their dependency on helper viruses. Unlike other parvoviruses, dependoparvoviruses cannot complete their replication cycle in the absence of a helper virus. They exploit the machinery and molecular factors provided by the co-infecting helper virus to ensure efficient viral replication and production of progeny viruses.
Dependoparvoviruses have been found to infect various animal species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. They can cause a range of clinical symptoms depending on the specific virus and host species involved. In some cases, they have been associated with diseases such as respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and reproductive complications.
Research on dependoparvoviruses has gained significant attention due to their potential applications in gene therapy. Their limited pathogenicity and ability to integrate their genetic material into the host genome make them attractive candidates for delivering therapeutic genes to target cells. This has led to the development of several experimental gene therapy vectors based on dependoparvoviruses.
Etymology of DEPENDOPARVOVIRUS
The word "dependoparvovirus" is derived from two main components: "dependo-" and "parvovirus".
1. "Dependo-": This prefix originates from the Latin word "dependere", meaning "to hang down" or "to rely on". In the context of viruses, "dependo-" refers to their dependence on certain helper viruses, known as "adeno-associated viruses" (AAV), to complete their life cycle. Hence, the prefix "dependo-" in "dependoparvovirus" signifies the dependency of these viruses on AAV.
2. "Parvovirus": This term comes from the Latin word "parvus", meaning "small". "Parvovirus" refers to a family of small, non-enveloped viruses characterized by their single-stranded DNA genomes.
