Host cell protein involved in RNA processing, translation, folding, or degradation

Host cell proteins involved in RNA processing, translation, folding, and degradation are a large, diverse group essential for post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. This category includes RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) such as heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs), splicing factors, RNA helicases, translation initiation factors, polyadenylation factors, and nuclear export proteins. These proteins facilitate every step of RNA maturation, nuclear export, translation, and turnover. In the context of viral infection, many of these proteins become critical determinants of host susceptibility, as viruses frequently hijack, inhibit, or reprogram the host RNA machinery for their own replication. Some of the most prominent therapeutic strategies in infection and cancer involve modulation of these host factors[1][3][5][6][7]. However, targeting this group presents considerable safety challenges due to the essential nature of many of its members for cellular health.

Other names

RNA-binding proteinRBPhost RNA metabolism proteinsplicing factortranslation factorribonucleoprotein

Inhibition of RNA splicing/polyadenylation to suppress host protein synthesis\nModulation of nuclear export to block viral transcript trafficking\nInhibition or modulation of translation factors\nTargeting RNA stability or degradation machinery (e.g., P-bodies)