dependoviruses

Dependoviruses are a genus of small, non-enveloped viruses belonging to the family Parvoviridae. They are so named because they are dependent on the presence of a helper virus, typically an adenovirus, for their replication. This dependency is a defining characteristic, as dependoviruses lack the genes necessary to produce all the proteins required for their own life cycle. Without a helper virus, their replication is extremely inefficient or even non-existent.

The genome of a dependovirus consists of a single strand of DNA, either positive or negative sense. The viral capsid, which encloses the genome, is icosahedral in shape and approximately 20-25 nanometers in diameter. They are known for their ability to infect a variety of host species, including humans, dogs, and insects, though specific dependoviruses tend to be host-specific.

In medical research, dependoviruses have gained significant attention as vectors for gene therapy. Their small size, non-pathogenic nature in the absence of a helper virus, and ability to transduce both dividing and non-dividing cells make them attractive candidates for delivering therapeutic genes to target cells. Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), a well-known subtype of dependovirus, are currently being explored and utilized in numerous clinical trials for a range of genetic disorders. The precise mechanisms of dependovirus infection and replication are subjects of ongoing scientific investigation.