Advantage of the High Genetic Diversity in RNA Viruses

Abstract

Evaluation of: Vignuzzi M, Stone JK, Arnold JJ, Cameron CE, Andino R: Quasispecies diversity determines pathogenesis through cooperative interactions in a viral population. Nature 439, 344–348 (2006). Recent experimental studies suggest that adaptation to new environments can be aided by cooperative action of mutant ensembles, in agreement with predictions by the quasi-species theory.

Keywords: :

• evolution
• mutation rate
• poliovirus
• quasi-species
• sequence diversity
• tropism