Influenza A virus RNA (IAV RNA)

Influenza A virus RNA consists of eight single-stranded, negative-sense segments that encode the essential proteins for viral replication and pathogenesis (Wright et al., 2013). This viral genome serves as the template for both mRNA synthesis (transcription) and the production of new genomic RNA (replication) via the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex (Bouvier & Palese, 2008). Because the host cell lacks an enzyme to replicate RNA from an RNA template, the viral RNA and its associated polymerase complex are critical therapeutic targets (Das et al., 2010). Drugs like Baloxavir marboxil interfere with the cap-snatching mechanism where the virus steals 5' caps from host pre-mRNAs to prime its own transcription (Hayden et al., 2018). Other agents, such as Favipiravir, act as nucleotide analogues that are incorporated into the nascent RNA strand, leading to chain termination or lethal mutagenesis (Furuta et al., 2013). Targeting the viral RNA or the machinery that processes it is a primary strategy for treating influenza infections and mitigating the risk of seasonal epidemics and potential pandemics (Uyeki et al., 2019).

Other names

IAV genomeInfluenza A virus genomic RNAvRNANegative-sense single-stranded RNA segments

Inhibition of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex, specifically targeting the PA endonuclease subunit to prevent cap-snatching, or acting as a nucleoside analogue to induce chain termination and lethal mutagenesis during RNA synthesis (Hayden et al., 2018; Furuta et al., 2013).