Abstract
Negeviruses are a proposed group of insect-specific viruses that can be separated into two distinct phylogenetic clades, Nelorpivirus and Sandewavirus. Negeviruses are well-known for their wide geographic distribution and broad host range among hematophagous insects. In this study, the full genomes of two novel negeviruses from each of these clades were identified by RNA extraction and sequencing from a single dungfly (Scathophaga furcata) collected from the Arctic Yellow River Station, where these genomes are the first negeviruses from cold zone regions to be discovered. Nelorpivirus dungfly1 (NVD1) and Sandewavirus dungfly1 (SVD1) have the typical negevirus genome organization and there was a very high coverage of viral transcripts. Small interfering RNAs derived from both viruses were readily detected in S. furcata, clearly showing that negeviruses are targeted by the host antiviral RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. These results and subsequent in silico analysis (studies) of public database and published virome data showed that the hosts of nege-like viruses include insects belonging to many orders as well as various non-insects in addition to the hematophagous insects previously reported. Phylogenetic analysis reveals at least three further groups of negeviruses, as well as several poorly resolved solitary branches, filling in the gaps within the two sub-groups of negeviruses and plant-associated viruses in the Kitaviridae. The results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the geographic distribution, host range, evolution and host antiviral immune responses of negeviruses.
Highlights
Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) are those viruses that are confined exclusively to insects and which are unable to replicate in vertebrates or vertebrate cells [1]
A BlastX search against the proteins of representative negeviruses suggested the presence of two potential new negeviruses
Negeviruses are well-known for their wide geographic distribution and broad host range but most of the well-described ones have been isolated from hematophagous insects such as mosquitoes and sandflies [3,15]
Summary
Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) are those viruses that are confined exclusively to insects and which are unable to replicate in vertebrates or vertebrate cells [1]. The recent rise of generation sequencing and metagenomics has led to the discovery of a growing number of novel ISVs [2]. These have mostly been discovered in hematophagous insects, especially mosquitoes, as a result of a research into the risks that mosquito-borne viruses pose to the health of humans and domesticated animals [3]. It has been hypothesized that ISVs might be the ancestors of arboviruses and can act as natural regulators of the infection, replication and transmission of arboviruses [3,4].
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