by In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have observed viruses attaching themselves to other viruses, enabling them to insert their genes into host cells. This strange interaction was directly witnessed for the first time, following apparent contamination in laboratory results.
While viruses are known to infect the cells of host organisms such as animals, plants, and bacteria, they have never been observed physically attaching to other viruses before. Previous interactions between viruses were limited to the relationship between “helper” and “satellite” viruses, where the latter requires the assistance of the former to survive. Typically, this involves simply staying in close proximity. However, a recent study has revealed that satellite viruses consistently attach themselves to their helper viruses.
This remarkable discovery began as part of a routine undergraduate project that involved isolating bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, from environmental samples and sending them to laboratories for sequencing. In one sample, the DNA of an expected virus, known as MindFlayer, was found alongside unknown DNA, indicating contamination. Repeated experiments consistently produced the same results.
To investigate further, researchers used a transmission electron microscope (TEM) to examine the samples. To their surprise, they discovered that the MindFlayer phage had a small satellite virus, called MiniFlayer, attached to its “neck” section. This phenomenon was not an isolated occurrence, as 80% of the observed phages (40 out of 50) had an attached satellite phage. Even among those that did not have a satellite virus at the time, some still exhibited “tendrils” indicating past attachment.
First author of the study, Tagide deCarvalho, expressed their astonishment, stating, “When I saw it, I was like, ‘I can’t believe this.’ No one has ever seen a bacteriophage – or any other virus – attach to another virus.”
Following this discovery, the research team analyzed the genomes of the satellite and helper viruses, as well as the host. They found that the MiniFlayer satellite virus lacked a specific gene that helps it integrate into the host’s DNA. Consequently, the satellite virus needs to remain in close proximity to its helper virus, MindFlayer, in order to replicate inside a host cell.
Senior author of the study, Ivan Erill, explained, “Attaching now made total sense because otherwise, how are you going to guarantee that you are going to enter into the cell at the same time?”
Further research will be conducted to confirm this explanation for the mechanism and to determine how common this phenomenon is among other viruses.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
