Challenges associated with research on RNA viruses of insects

Jimena Carrillo-Tripp; Bryony C Bonning; W Allen Miller

doi:10.1016/j.cois.2014.11.002

Challenges associated with research on RNA viruses of insects

Curr Opin Insect Sci. 2015 Apr:8:62-68. doi: 10.1016/j.cois.2014.11.002. Epub 2014 Nov 24.

Authors

Jimena Carrillo-Tripp¹, Bryony C Bonning², W Allen Miller³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States. Electronic address: jimena@iastate.edu.
² Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States.
³ Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, United States.

PMID: 32846681
DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2014.11.002

Abstract

Dicistroviridae and Iflaviridae (part of the group formerly identified as picorna-like viruses) are rapidly growing families within the order Picornavirales. Work on these emerging groups of arthropod viruses offers a unique and exciting opportunity for virologist, but this task comes with particular challenges. The lack of cell culture systems and infectious clones has imposed limitations on the advancement of study of these viruses. Here we discuss the goals and challenges regarding the establishment of controlled systems as well as some issues associated with insect RNA virology at the organismal level. These concerns apply to RNA viruses affecting other organisms for which basic research tools are limited. A list of pitfalls associated with RNA virus research along with recommendations is provided.

Publication types

Review