Characterization of the Nonstructural Proteins of the Bocavirus Minute Virus of Canines

We present a detailed characterization of a single-cycle infection of the bocavirus minute virus of canines (MVC) in canine WRD cells. This has allowed identification of an additional smaller NS protein that derives from an mRNA spliced within the NS gene that had not been previously reported. In addition, we have identified a role for the viral NP1 protein during infection. NP1 is required for read-through of the MVC internal polyadenylation site and, thus, access of the capsid gene by MVC mRNAs. Although the mechanism of NP1' s action has not yet been fully elucidated, it represents the first parvovirus protein to be implicated directly in viral RNA processing.