Comovirinae is a subfamily of viruses in the order Picornavirales, in the family Secoviridae; its genera were formerly classified in the family Comoviridae. Plants serve as natural hosts. There are 62 species in this subfamily, assigned to 3 genera.[1] [2]
The genera Comovirus, Nepovirus and Fabavirus were classified into the family Comoviridae in 1993. This family was classified as part of the order Picornavirales when this order was created (2008), and its genera were reclassified as the subfamily Comovirinae of the family Secoviridae in 2009.[3] [4]
The subfamily contains the following genera:
Viruses in Comovirinae are non-enveloped, with icosahedral geometries, and T=pseudo3 symmetry. The diameter is around 30 nm. Genome segments are encapsidated separately into two different types of particle similar in size. Genomes are linear and segmented, bipartite, around 24-7kb in length.
| Genus | Structure | Symmetry ! | Capsid | Genomic arrangement | Genomic segmentation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comovirus | Icosahedral | Pseudo T=3 | Non-enveloped | Linear | Segmented | |
| Nepovirus | Icosahedral | Pseudo T=3 | Non-enveloped | Linear | Segmented | |
| Fabavirus | Icosahedral | Pseudo T=3 | Non-enveloped | Linear | Segmented |
Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by penetration into the host cell. Replication follows the positive stranded RNA virus replication model. Positive stranded RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by tubule-guided viral movement.Plants serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are mechanical.
| Genus | Host details | Tissue tropism | Entry details | Release details | Replication site | Assembly site | Transmission | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comovirus | Plants | None | Viral movement; mechanical inoculation | Viral movement | Cytoplasm | Cytoplasm | Mechanical inoculation: beetles | |
| Nepovirus | Plants | None | Viral movement; mechanical inoculation | Viral movement | Cytoplasm | Cytoplasm | Nematodes; mites; thrips | |
| Fabavirus | Plants | None | Viral movement; mechanical inoculation | Viral movement | Cytoplasm | Cytoplasm | Mechanical inoculation: aphids |