Formation and evolution of Tombusvirus defective interfering RNAs

Defective interfering (DI) RNAs associated with members of the genus Tombusvirus are among the most extensively characterized. These molecules, which represent replicable deletion mutants of viral genomes, are able to accumulate to high levels in viral infections and have the effect of suppressing virus accumulation and attenuating virus-induced symptoms in host plants. Numerous studies have led to a greater understanding of how these molecules are formed and what factors influence their accumulation. Here an overview is provided of what is currently known about the structure, formation and evolution of this important class of sub-viral replicon.