Abstract
We report a new positive-sense single-stranded RNA (ss RNA+) virus from the brown citrus aphid Aphis citricidus. The 20,300 nucleotide (nt)-long viral genome contains five open-reading frames and encodes six conserved domains (TM2, 3CLpro, TM3, RdRp, Zm, and HEL1). Phylogenetic analysis and amino acid sequence analysis revealed this virus might belong to an unassigned genus in the family Mesoniviridae. The presence of the virus was also confirmed in the field population. Importantly, analysis of the virus-derived small RNAs showed a 22-nt peak, implying that viral infection triggers the small interfering RNA pathway as antiviral immunity in aphids. This is the first report of a mesonivirus in invertebrates other than mosquitoes.
Highlights
We report a new positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus from the brown citrus aphid Aphis citricidus
Unlike the NDiV, where the smooth sequence GGAUUUU is located at ORF1a/ORF1b overlap region and controls ORF1a/ORF1b 1 ribosomal frameshift (RFS) (Nga et al 2011), the ‘slippery sequence’ GGAUUUU of Aphis citricidus meson-like virus (AcMSV) is between ORF1a and ORF1b is located between ORF1a and ORF1b of AcMSV
TM2, 3CLpro, and TM3 are encoded by ORF1a, and RdRp, Zm, and HEL1 are encoded by ORF1b
Summary
We report a new positive-sense single-stranded RNA (ss RNA+) virus from the brown citrus aphid Aphis citricidus. Analysis of the virus-derived small RNAs showed a 22-nt peak, implying that viral infection triggers the small interfering RNA pathway as antiviral immunity in aphids. This is the first report of a mesonivirus in invertebrates other than mosquitoes. We report a novel virus belonging to Nidovirales in an aphids species, brown citrus aphids, preliminarily named as Aphis citricidus meson-like virus (AcMSV). Our study will aid in enhancing our knowledge on the host range of mesonivirus, besides, the discovery of this virus may facilitate our understanding of the aphids ecology and aphids pest control approach
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
