Open AccessIdentification of novel avian and mammalian deltaviruses provides new insights into deltavirus evolution
Author(s) -
Masashi Iwamoto,
Yukino Shibata,
Jun Kawasaki,
Shohei Kojima,
YungTsung Li,
Shingo Iwami,
Masamichi Muramatsu,
HuiLin Wu,
Kazuhiro Wada,
Keizō Tomonaga,
Koichi Watashi,
Masayuki Horie
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
virus evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.231
H-Index - 23
ISSN - 2057-1577
DOI - 10.1093/ve/veab003
Subject(s) - biology , phylogenetic tree , passerine , evolutionary biology , helper virus , coevolution , transmission (telecommunications) , lineage (genetic) , virology , phylogenetics , viral evolution , virus , genetics , zoology , viral replication , gene , genome , engineering , electrical engineering
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite virus that requires hepadnavirus envelope proteins for its transmission. Although recent studies identified HDV-related deltaviruses in certain animals, the evolution of deltaviruses, such as the origin of HDV and the mechanism of its coevolution with its helper viruses, is unknown, mainly because of the phylogenetic gaps among deltaviruses. Here, we identified novel deltaviruses of passerine birds, woodchucks, and white-tailed deer by extensive database searches and molecular surveillance. Phylogenetic and molecular epidemiological analyses suggest that HDV originated from mammalian deltaviruses and the past interspecies transmission of mammalian and passerine deltaviruses. Further, metaviromic and experimental analyses suggest that the satellite–helper relationship between HDV and hepadnavirus was established after the divergence of the HDV lineage from non-HDV mammalian deltaviruses. Our findings enhance our understanding of deltavirus evolution, diversity, and transmission, indicating the importance of further surveillance for deltaviruses.