Virus-induced cell gigantism and asymmetric cell division in archaea

Significance Studies on bacterial and eukaryotic viruses have revealed a range of strategies used by to subdue host cells for efficient virus replication. How archaeal interact with their hosts remains largely unknown. We characterize new strategy employed nonlytic STSV2 transform its into giant virion-producing factory, whereby the infection blocks normal cell division binary fission, leading gradual growth unprecedented sizes. The infected divide asymmetrically budding, replenishing pool susceptible hosts. Thus, although tinkering cycle is common practice among evolutionarily unrelated from different domains life, mechanisms manifestation these actions can be highly diverse unexpected.