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Invertebrate iridescent viruses (IIVs) (aka invertebrate iridoviruses, family Iridoviridae) are icosahedral particles of approximately 120–200 nm in diameter that infect invertebrates in damp or aquatic habitats. IIVs are currently assigned to one of two genera based on particle size and genetic characteristics. Members of the Iridovirus genus (type species Invertebrate iridescent virus 6) infect many species of insects and terrestrial isopods whereas members of the Chloriridovirus genus (type species Invertebrate iridescent virus 3) infect the aquatic stages of mosquitoes. IIV particles comprise a dense core of DNA and associated proteins, surrounded by a lipid membrane encased by an exterior protein capsid which possesses a fringe of thin fibrils that project radially from the surface of each capsid subunit. The IIV genome is a linear molecule of DNA of 140–210 kbp that is circularly permuted and terminally redundant. The genome, which is not methylated, comprises 126–234 ORFs (453–468 including overlapping ORFs), and extensive regions of repetitive DNA sequences. Core genes include those involved in replication, nucleotide metabolism, and other proteins of known function. This article describes the history, classification, geographical distribution, host range, methods of propagation, properties of the virion and the genome, replication, evolution, signs and characteristics of disease, cellular pathology, ecology, and economic importance of these viruses. |
