Human coronavirus OC43 replication (HCoV-OC43 replication)

Human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) replication refers to the complex multi-step biological process by which the virus infects host cells and produces progeny virions. This cycle involves viral attachment via the spike protein to sialic acid receptors, entry through endocytosis or membrane fusion, translation of the viral replicase polyproteins, and RNA synthesis mediated by the viral replication-transcription complex. While 'replication' is a common focus of antiviral drug discovery, it represents a physiological process rather than a single molecular target. Therapeutic intervention typically focuses on specific viral components within this process, such as the 3C-like protease (Mpro) or the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Understanding the replication kinetics of HCoV-OC43 is critical as it serves as a common model for studying highly pathogenic coronaviruses like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV due to its lower biosafety requirements.

Other names

HCoV-OC43 viral replicationHuman coronavirus OC43 life cycle

Inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, inhibition of viral entry, or inhibition of viral proteases.