Cited by 1,009Evolution and Genetic DynamicsMathematical and Theoretical Epidemiology and Ecology ModelsRNA and protein synthesis mechanisms

Viral quasispecies evolution

Open access
Domingo, Esteban, Sheldon, Julie, Perales, Celia·2012·Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews

Abstract

SUMMARY: Evolution of RNA viruses occurs through disequilibria of collections of closely related mutant spectra or mutant clouds termed viral quasispecies. Here we review the origin of the quasispecies concept and some biological implications of quasispecies dynamics. Two main aspects are addressed: (i) mutant clouds as reservoirs of phenotypic variants for virus adaptability and (ii) the internal interactions that are established within mutant spectra that render a virus ensemble the unit of selection. The understanding of viruses as quasispecies has led to new antiviral designs, such as lethal mutagenesis, whose aim is to drive viruses toward low fitness values with limited chances of fitness recovery. The impact of quasispecies for three salient human pathogens, human immunodeficiency virus and the hepatitis B and C viruses, is reviewed, with emphasis on antiviral treatment strategies. Finally, extensions of quasispecies to nonviral systems are briefly mentioned to emphasize the broad applicability of quasispecies theory.

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Registry

Crossref · 10.1128/mmbr.05023-11

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  • Some mutations in SARS-CoV-2 will be advantageous and subject to rapid natural selection.

    “although most will be detrimental or confer no advantage to the virus, some will be advantageous and be the subject of rapid natural selection (Domingo et al., 2012; Rambaut et al., 2020).”

    From Reduced neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 by vaccine and convalescent serum (2021) · cites this paper as Domingo et al., 2012

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Authors
Domingo, E., Sheldon, J., & Perales, C.
Affiliations
Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ES)
Venue
Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews
Published
2012-06
Volume
76
Issue
2
Pages
159-216
ISSN
  • 1092-2172 (ISSN-L)
  • 1098-5557
OpenAlex
W2073918065
Cited by
1,009
References
888
Citations by year
2026: 51 · 2025: 38 · 2024: 56 · 2023: 55 · 2022: 58 · 2021: 130 · 2020: 104 · 2019: 96 · 2018: 76 · 2017: 76 · 2016: 77 · 2015: 75 · 2014: 63 · 2013: 38 · 2012: 15
FWCI
7.47
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DIGITAL.CSIC (Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Mathematical and Theoretical Epidemiology and Ecology Models
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
Keywords
viral quasispecies, RNA viruses, units of selection, lethal mutagenesis, antiviral strategies, HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus
MeSH terms
Hepatitis B virus, HIV, Humans, RNA Viruses, Selection, Genetic, Virus Diseases, Genome, Viral, Evolution, Molecular

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