1st Viral Biofilm :

The initial study identifying viral biofilms appeared during research on Human T-lymphotropic virus Type 1 (HTLV-1). Scientists described in their 2011 work how HTLV-1-infected T cells generate virus-derived biofilm structures at their surfaces. The cellular structures include both extracellular matrix materials together with viral particles and adhesion proteins that promote efficient viral cell transmission as well as protective mechanisms against the immune system. Scientists discovered biofilm-producing viruses which proved that biofilms are not limited to bacterial or fungal domains thus creating fresh investigative opportunities for virology research.

1. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

• HIV-infected cells form clusters of viral particles embedded in host-derived extracellular matrix components.
• These biofilm-like structures enhance direct cell-to-cell transmission and protect the virus from neutralizing antibodies.

2. Measles Virus (MV)

• Measles virus-infected cells produce viral aggregates that remain attached to the host cell surface.
• These clusters help the virus evade immune responses and increase infectivity within host tissues.

3. Vaccinia Virus (VV) & Poxviruses

• Vaccinia virus (a member of the poxvirus family) forms "virus factories" resembling bacterial biofilms.
• These structures provide a protected environment for viral replication and promote viral spread.

4. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 & HSV-2)

• Studies suggest HSV forms extracellular viral aggregates, which could act as biofilm-like structures aiding persistence and immune evasion.
• HSV biofilms are enriched with glycoproteins and extracellular vesicles, enhancing latency and transmission.