Notes on Genus: Pneumovirus

enveloped spheres

Type member: Human respiratory syncytial virus

General Description

The genus Pneumovirus is one of nine genera in the family Paramyxoviridae and contains viruses with 10 transcriptional elements. It is named after the Greek pneuma = breath.

Morphology

Virions pleomorphic but usually spherical, enveloped, 150 nm in diameter or larger with spike-like projections.

Genome

Monopartite single-stranded negative sense RNA of about 15 kb. There is no genome-linked protein (VPg) at the 5'-terminus nor a 3'-polyA tail.

Genus Genomic Organization

There are 10 transcriptional elements (mRNA species). Their major ORFs are listed here in their order on the template strand - i.e. from 3' to 5' with respect to the virion strand:

1	NS1	15-16 kDa	Non-structural protein 1
2	NS2	15 kDa	Non-structural protein 2
3	N	43-44 kDa	Coat protein (nucleocapsid)
4	P	27 kDa	Phosphoprotein
5	M	29 kDa	Matrix protein
6	SH	7-9 kDa	Small hydrophobic membrane protein
7	G	28-33 kDa	Glycoprotein attachment protein
8	F	64 kDa	Fusion protein: glycosylated envelope protein
9	M2	11/21-22 kDa	Transcription processivity factor; two possible ORFs have been identified
10	L	250 kDa	Polymerase

Type Member Genomic Organization