Infection study of Bombyx mori macula-like virus (BmMLV) using a BmMLV-negative cell line and an infectious cDNA clone

► Almost all Bombyx mori-derived cell lines are infected persistently with BmMLV. ► Establishment of a new BmMLV-negative cell line from B. mori. ► Established BmMLV-negative cells are permissive to BmMLV persistent infection. ► Persistent infection with BmMLV resulted in delayed cell growth. ► Establishment of a first infectious full-length cDNA clone of BmMLV.