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Title: Analysis of the genome of the sexually transmitted insect virus Hz-2V

Author
item BURAND, JOHN - University Of Massachusetts
item KIM, WOOJIN - University Of Massachusetts
item Afonso, Claudio
item Tulman, Edan
item Kutish, Gerald
item Rock, Daniel

Submitted to: Viruses
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/21/2011
Publication Date: 1/6/2012
Citation: Burand, J.P., Kim, W., Afonso, C.L., Tulman, E., Kutish, G.F., Rock, D.L. 2012. Analysis of the genome of the sexually transmitted insect virus Hz-2V. Viruses. 4(1):28-61.

Interpretive Summary: The use of certain insect viruses for the production of valuable protein(s) for vaccination of poultry offers an attractive alternative to other conventional methods, but its use requires the previous availability of complete sequencing and analysis of the viral genome. Here we report the complete sequence and genomic characterization of the insect virus HZ-2v.

Technical Abstract: Hz-2V is an insect DNA virus closely related to the baculoviruses that grow to high titers in insect cells and produces high yields of virus progeny. The capacity of this virus to replicate to high titers in insect cells may allow the use of this virus for production of large amount of proteins. These proteins can be used as antigens in vaccines or as vaccine adjuvants. The potential use of those viruses as tools for the production of valuable protein for the vaccination of poultry requires the complete sequencing and analysis of the viral genome. Here we report the complete sequence and genomic characterization of the HZ-2v nudivirus. The insect virus Hz-2V was determined to have a circular double-stranded DNA genome of 231,621 bp coding for an estimated 113 open reading frames (orfs). Hz-2V is most closely related to the Nudivirus genus, a sister group of the insect baculoviruses.