dependoparvovirukset

Dependoparvoviruses are a genus of viruses within the family Parvoviridae. These viruses are known for their unique replication strategy, which requires coinfection with a helper adenovirus or herpesvirus. Without the presence of these helper viruses, dependoparvoviruses cannot efficiently replicate their genome. Their name, "dependo-", reflects this dependency on helper viruses for successful propagation.

The genome of dependoparvoviruses consists of a single-stranded DNA molecule. They are small, non-enveloped viruses with an icosahedral capsid. Their small size and simple structure are characteristic of the Parvoviridae family.

Dependoparvoviruses are found in various animal species, including humans, dogs, and cats. In humans, some dependoparvoviruses are associated with diseases, although they are generally considered to be of low pathogenicity. For example, human dependoparvovirus 1 (HDPV1) has been detected in respiratory samples, but its clinical significance is not fully understood. In veterinary medicine, canine dependoparvovirus (CDV) has been identified, but it is distinct from canine parvovirus (CPV), which causes severe gastrointestinal illness.

The study of dependoparvoviruses is important for understanding viral replication mechanisms and for potential applications in gene therapy, where their ability to infect cells and deliver genetic material could be exploited. However, their reliance on helper viruses complicates their use as standalone gene therapy vectors.