Complete genome sequencing and analysis of an anti-tumor Newcastle disease virus strain

HBNU/LSRC/F3, a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain stored in our lab, exhibited an anti-tumor ability in our previous studies. Nonetheless, very little is known about its genome sequence, which is vital for further study. Here, the complete HBNU/LSRC/F3 genome was fully sequenced and compared with other NDV sequences. Its genome contained 15,192 nucleotides (nt) consisting of two termini and six genes in the following order: 3′-Le-NP-P-M-F-HN-L-Tr-5′. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this NDV strain belonged to the Class II genotype IX group. A multibasic amino acid (aa) sequence was found at the cleavage site (112RRQRR↓F117) within the fusion (F) protein, and a 6 nt insertion was present in the 5′ non-coding region of the NP gene. The whole genome sequence was highly similar to other genotype IX NDV genomes reported in China. Overall, this study provides insight into the sequence characteristics of genotype IX NDVs, which will be useful for subsequent investigations.