Flaviviridae

• Published in: Intervirology Vol. 24; no. 4; p. 183
• Main Authors: Westaway, E G, Brinton, M A, Gaidamovich SYa, Horzinek, M C, Igarashi, A, Kääriäinen, L, Lvov, D K, Porterfield, J S, Russell, P K, Trent, D W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01-01-1985
• Subjects: Alphavirus - classification; Animals; Endoplasmic Reticulum - microbiology; Endoplasmic Reticulum - ultrastructure; Flavivirus - classification; Flavivirus - genetics; Flavivirus - physiology; Flavivirus - ultrastructure; Genes, Viral; Morphogenesis; RNA, Viral - biosynthesis; RNA, Viral - genetics; Viral Core Proteins - analysis; Viral Envelope Proteins - analysis; Viral Matrix Proteins; Viral Proteins - analysis; Viral Proteins - biosynthesis; Virus Replication
• ISSN: 0300-5526
• DOI: 10.1159/000149642

The family Flaviviridae comprises the genus Flavivirus, which contains 65 related species and two possible members. They are small, enveloped RNA viruses (diameter 45 nm) with peplomers comprising a single glycoprotein E. Other structural proteins are designated C (core) and M (membrane-like). The single strand of RNA is infectious and has a molecular weight of about 4 X 10(6) and an m7G 'cap' at the 5' end but no poly(A) tract at the 3' end; it functions as the sole messenger. The gene sequence commences 5'-C-M-E... The replication strategy and the mode of morphogenesis are distinct from those of the Togaviridae which are slightly larger and morphologically similar in some respects. Flaviviruses infect a wide range of vertebrates, and many are transmitted by arthropods.