ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Hepeviridae

1The virions of human hepatitis E virus are icosahedral, non-enveloped, spherical particles with a diameter of approximately 27–34 nm (Table 1, Fig. 1). The capsid is formed by capsomeres consisting of homodimers of a single capsid protein, forming the virus shell. Each capsid protein contains three linear domains forming distinct structural elements: S (the continuous capsid), P1 (three-fold protrusions) and P2 (two-fold spikes). Neutralizing epitopes have been found in the P2 domain. Each domain contains a putative polysaccharide-binding site that may interact with cellular receptors. Native T=3 capsids contain flat dimers, with less curvature than those of T=1 virus-like particles.

2Viral genomes are positive-sense monopartite RNA of about 6.4 to 7.2 kb, with three ORFs flanked by short 5′- and 3′-terminal non-coding regions: ORF2 overlaps ORF3 but neither overlaps ORF1. The 5′-end is m7G-capped and the 3′-end is polyadenylated (Fig. 2). Non-structural proteins encoded by the first ORF (ORF1) have limited similarity with the ‘alpha-like supergroup’ of viruses and contain domains consistent with a methyltransferase, papain-like cysteine protease, macro domain, RNA helicase and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Some of these properties have been confirmed experimentally. It remains unclear whether the ORF1-encoded activities function as a single protein with multiple functional domains or as individually cleaved smaller proteins. Virions are constructed from a capsid protein encoded by ORF2 that may be proteolytically processed. A small immunoreactive protein (12.5 kDa) encoded by the third ORF (ORF3) has been shown to exhibit multiple functions associated with virion morphogenesis, egress and viral pathogenesis. The capsid and ORF3 proteins are translated from a subgenomic RNA that is generated from the genome. Although human hepatitis E viruses are shed into faeces as non-enveloped virions, they appear to be released into the bloodstream as membrane-associated virions.

3The replication of human hepatitis E virus is not well understood. The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase associates with the host endoplasmic reticulum through residues encoding a predicted transmembrane domain in order to begin replicating the viral genome. It appears that replication involves temporal separation and alternating cycles of positive- and negative-sense RNAs to produce capsid, ORF3 protein, ORF1 polypeptide and new genomes, resulting in the generation of progeny virions.

4Orthohepevirus. Members of this genus infect a wide range of mammals, including humans, domestic and wild swine, deer, sheep, rabbits, camels, mongooses, (Orthohepevirus A members), rats, ferrets, shrews, bandicoots, mink (Orthohepevirus C members), bats (Orthohepevirus D members), and birds (Orthohepevirus B members). Unclassified viruses have been detected in moose and foxes, and in droppings from little egrets and kestrels. Human hepatitis E virus can cause self-limiting acute hepatitis in humans and is transmitted by contaminated water or the consumption of undercooked or raw meat and dairy and other products from infected animals. Human hepatitis E virus is the leading cause of acute hepatitis in developing countries.

5Piscihepevirus. This genus includes a single species whose typical isolate, cutthroat trout virus, infects trout, although its pathogenicity and full host range are unknown.

6Full ICTV Online (10th) Report: www.ictv.global/report/hepeviridae.