Replication of and protein synthesis by TT viruses.

The host cells and the events in the cells during Torque teno (TT) virus infection are at present unknown. Replicating TT virus DNA has been detected in liver, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and in bone marrow. By alternative splicing this small virus generates three mRNA species, from which by alternative translation initiation at least six proteins are produced. The functions of the proteins are not yet fully understood. However, functions associated with, e.g., DNA replication, immunomodulation, and apoptosis have been suggested to reside in the multifunctional proteins of anelloviruses.