Narnavirus is a genus of positive-strand RNA viruses in the family Narnaviridae. Fungi serve as natural hosts. There are two species in this genus.[1] Member viruses have been shown to be required for sexual reproduction of Rhizopus microsporus.[2] Narnaviruses have a naked RNA genome without a virion and derive their name from this feature.[3]
Narnaviruses have no true virion. They do not have structural proteins or a capsid.[4]
Narnaviruses have nonsegmented, linear, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genomes. The genome has one open reading frame which encodes the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). The genome is associated with the RdRp in the cytoplasm of the fungi host and forms a naked ribonucleoprotein complex.
Viral replication is cytoplasmic. Replication follows the positive-strand RNA virus replication model. Positive-strand RNA virus transcription is the method of transcription. The virus exits the host cell by cell-to-cell movement. Fungi serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are parental and sexual.
The genus has the following two species:[5]