Ichnovirus

Ichnovirus is a genus of viruses belonging to the family Baculoviridae. These viruses specifically infect insects, and are known for their large, rod-shaped virions enclosed in an envelope. The genome of an ichnovirus is a circular, double-stranded DNA molecule. A key characteristic of ichnoviruses is their ability to induce a particular type of infection within their host. Unlike some other baculoviruses that lead to systemic infection and host death, ichnovirus infections are often associated with the development of specialized structures or cells within the insect. This can involve the formation of virus-encoded organelles or modifications to host cell function that are not immediately lethal. The precise mechanisms by which ichnoviruses manipulate host cells and the exact role of these unique viral-induced structures are areas of ongoing research. Ichnoviruses have potential applications in biological pest control due to their specificity for insect hosts, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical insecticides. Their study provides insights into insect-pathogen interactions and viral evolution.