Proteavirus is a complex virus-like organism found on the moon Proteus. There are two known strains of Proteavirus:
- Proteavirus alpha: The highly abundant base version which appears to be integrated into the biosphere of Proteus and is present in every living organism on the moon, including the player.
- Bloom (Proteavirus beta): A parasitic version dedicated only to its own reproduction.
Proteavirus alpha
Proteavirus alpha is an unfathomably abundant strain of Proteavirus released by the World Tree into the water of Proteus. It exists across the entire moon and infects all living beings. Proteavirus alpha is released by Angel Combs into the surrounding water to collect gene samples from nearby organisms. The virus causes Masefield syndrome, though it is unknown if other lifeforms are affected by it in the same way.
The Angel Combs releasing Proteavirus alpha are often attacked by the Bloom, a rival Proteavirus strain which harvests nutrients from its surroundings and seems to serve no purpose other than producing more of itself.
Bloom or Proteavirus beta
The Bloom strain of Proteavirus is one that seems to attack the Proteavirus' Angel Combs. It infects the Combs and all nearby organisms, significantly deteriorating nearby life and making the Combs dedicate all of their systems to producing more of it.
Masefield Syndrome
The Masefield Syndrome caused by the Proteavirus induces hallucinations and irrational behavior in humans. Affected individuals develop an obsession with the sea and the World Tree, and may eventually be compelled to swim towards the tree and/or drown themselves. Sophie Boucher believes it will be catastrophic to Proteus' biosphere if left unchecked, though other evidence (particularly the message found in the Axum Observatory) suggests that it's an integral part of Proteus and is harmful only to humans.
Wu Lianghai initially believed that Masefield Syndrome was caused exclusively by the Bloom strain of the Proteavirus. However, Wander later discovered that the Bloom strain was entirely different from the virus found in colonists affected by Masefield Syndrome, leading to the conclusion that even standard Proteavirus causes it. In fact, there is no evidence beyond speculation that the Bloom strain causes Masefield at all.
Databank Entries
Proteavirus
The crab teratoma site provides insight into the behavior of the PROTEAVIRUS.
1. Gross genetic transfer
The Proteavirus can reprogram cells of one organism (coral) to behave as, and become, cells of another (the coral crab). This is biologically implausible. Nonetheless it occurs.
2. Horizontal gene exchange
Horizontal gene transfer is the exchange of DNA between organisms other than parent and child. It occurs frequently on Earth, largely, but not exclusively, between microbes. The human placenta depends on a capsule protein that was inserted into ancestral mammals by a retrovirus infecting a sperm or egg cell.
3. Evolutionary catalyst?
The Proteavirus may have evolved earlier than terrestrial viruses, granting it 'root level' access to biology on this world. If it constantly exchanges genes between species, it may increase the pace of evolution - allowing natural selection to more rapidly search the space of all possible life forms for the best-adapted. But most changes are destructive, not helpful.
4. Viruses as free riders
While viruses are common and evolutionarily important, they are parasites, and ultimately consume the host's resources for little return. A healthy ecosystem should manage its viral infections into productive roles.
ASSESSMENT: Ambiguous. Proteavirus may provide life on this world with an evolutionary advantage, at the cost of pervasive viral infection.
Proteavirus Technical Details
Proteavirus (Proteavirus pluripotens). Large retrovirus discovered in the seawater of this world.
Radically dissimilar to terrestrial life.
Complex genetic structure. Codons are four base pairs (compared to terrestrial DNA/RNA's three). The core viral genome is 1.4 million base pairs stored in numerous strands—large for an RNA virus. Rapid changes in RNA conformation prevent further analysis.
Accessory genomes contain sequences from infected organisms (primarily seawater microbes). Function unknown.
The viral capsule is built from a polymer commonly produced by life on this world. The human immune system cannot lyse this polymer, so Proteavirus will resist immune reaction. But because Proteavirus does not share a genetic code with human life there is no risk of cross- infection.
Further analysis will require specialized virological equipment.
Source: Scan Crab Teratoma
Virology
The Proteavirus appears to capable of infecting all life on Proteus, said to have a "root level" access to Protean biology. It appears to facilitate horizontal gene transfer between all organisms on Proteus, allowing for rapid and unpredictable evolutionary trajectories. It may also cause rapid hallucinations, loss of autonomy, and violence in those affected. It is said that all life is infected by the Proteavirus the moment they enter the water.
Trivia
- The "protea" in Proteavirus is derived from the word "protean", meaning something that is adaptable or constantly changing. Referring to the constant unpredictable change that Proteavirus causes in the native organisms through horizontal gene transfer.
- The name "Masefield Syndrome" is a reference to John Masefield, an English poet and writer, most notably known for his poem Sea-Fever. Sophie quotes directly from this poem when describing the effects of the syndrome in the Tadpole Pens NoA terminal.
