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The secret room a giant virus creates inside its host amoeba

Researchers discovered a subcellular environment within the giant virus Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus that enables efficient translation of viral mRNAs despite mismatched codon usage with its host. This specialized environment alleviates the unfavorable translation condition, allowing for optimal viral replication.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2026

The structure of a giant virus

Researchers have determined key structural features of the mimivirus, a giant virus large enough to be seen with a light microscope. The findings reveal a starfish-shaped structure that covers a special vertex where the genetic material leaves the virus to infect its host.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 27, 2009