Helper virus

A helper virus is a virus used when producing copies of a helper dependent viral vector which does not have the ability to replicate on its own. The helper virus is used to co-infect cells alongside the viral vector and provides the necessary enzymes for replication of the genome of the viral vector.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an example of a helper virus that helps Hepatitis D virus (HDV) (a replication defective, helper dependent ssRNA virus) to replicate -- as HDV requires the surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg) for the encapsidation of its own genome. The envelope proteins on the outer surface of HDV are entirely provided by HBV.

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Microbiology: Virus

Components	Viral envelope Capsid Viral protein

Viral life cycle	Viral entry Viral replication Viral shedding Virus latency Viroplasm

Genetics	Reassortment Antigenic shift Antigenic drift Phenotype mixing

By host	Bacteriophage Virophage Mycovirus Plant virus (Plant to Human) Animal virus Human virome Archea virus Amoeba virus Chromalveolata virus

Other	Viral disease Helper virus Laboratory diagnosis of viral infections Viral load Virus-like particle Viral quantification Antiviral drug Neurotropic virus Oncovirus Social history of viruses Satellite virus Giant viruses

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