A NEW SMALL RNA VIRUS PERSISTENTLY INFECTING AN ESTABLISHED CELL-LINEOF GALLERIA-MELLONELLA, INDUCED BY A HETEROLOGOUS INFECTION

A persistent infection in a Galleria mellonella cell line was revealed when infected with a maize stem borer picorna-like virus isolated on Sesamia cretica (MSBV). The new virus, completely different from the M SBV, is designated as G. mellonella cell line virus (GmclV), induces s pectacular cytopathic effects, and is also considered efficient in viv o. The GmclV is a 29-nm-diameter isometric virus, with single-strand R NA of 2.9 x 10(6) Da molecular weight with a poly(A) tract. Its capsid is constituted of only two major polypeptides, of 34,500 and 32,500 D a, and no minor bands could be detected. The characteristics of the Gm clV do not permit us to classify it with assurance. Even though it has not yet been identified as a picornavirus, it can be classified in th e small RNA virus group of the Picornaviridae. G. mellonella represent s a very interesting model, owing to the fact that two different persi stent viruses belonging to the same family were isolated in vivo and i n vitro, to further the understanding of the general phenomenon of per sistency and induction. (C) 1997 Academic Press.