Human T-lymphotropic virus

This article is currently being developed as part of an Eduzendium student project. If you are not involved with this project, please refrain from collaboratively developing it until this notice is removed. Articles that lack this notice, including many Eduzendium ones, welcome your collaboration!

Classification

Higher order taxa

Viral Group: Group IV (ssRNA-RT)

Family: Retroviridae

Genus: Deltaretrovirus

Species: Simian T-lymphotropic virus

Species

Deltaretrovirus Simian T-lymphotropic virus

Description and significance

Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why it is important enough to have its genome sequenced. Describe how and where it was isolated. Include a picture or two (with sources) if you can find them.

Human T-lymphotropic virus was first discovered in Japan in 1977 as the first human retrovirus to be identified as such. It is thought to be the disease causing agent in several ailments. Paraparesis is one disease thought to be caused by the virus where an individual's lower extremities are impaired. The virus is also thought to be an oncovirus, a cancer causing viral agent. Leukemia, a cancer of bone marrow or blood cells, has been linked to T-lymphotropic virus.

Genome structure

Describe the size and content of the genome. How many chromosomes? Circular or linear? Other interesting features? What is known about its sequence? Does it have any plasmids? Are they important to the organism's lifestyle?

Cell structure and metabolism

Describe any interesting features and/or cell structures; how it gains energy; what important molecules it produces.

Ecology

Describe any interactions with other organisms (included eukaryotes), contributions to the environment, effect on environment, etc.

Pathology

How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.

Application to Biotechnology

Does this organism produce any useful compounds or enzymes? What are they and how are they used?

Current Research

Enter summaries of the most recent research here--at least three required

References

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_T-lymphotropic_virus 2. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/95706.php 3.

2. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/95706.php

3.

| Citizendium