viruslika

Viruslika is a non-formal term used in virology and related disciplines to describe entities or sequences that resemble viruses in aspects such as particle form, genome organization, or interaction with host cells, while not meeting the full criteria of infectious viruses. The term does not denote a taxonomic group and its use varies across literature.

In practice, viruslika encompasses several related concepts. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembling structures formed from viral structural proteins that resemble native virions but lack the viral genome, rendering them non-infectious. Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) are remnants of ancient viral infections that have become integrated into host genomes and may be domesticated by the host over evolutionary time. Some descriptions include virus-like replicons or synthetic constructs designed to mimic aspects of viral life cycles without producing infectious progeny.

Properties commonly associated with viruslika include small size (often tens to a few hundred nanometers), a protein shell or envelope, and the ability to enter or interact with host cells. Because they lack a complete, infectious genome, many virus-like systems are considered safer for research and clinical use, though biosafety considerations remain important.

Applications span vaccines (VLP-based), gene delivery and therapy (where non-replicating replicons or VLPs serve as delivery vehicles), and fundamental studies of virus-host interactions. Detection and characterization rely on electron microscopy, cryo-EM, sequencing, and serological or molecular assays.

Related topics include virus-like particles, endogenous viral elements, viral mimetics, and non-viral delivery systems.