Japanese encephalitis virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (JEV RdRp)

The **Japanese encephalitis virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase** is a viral enzyme encoded by the NS5 gene of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. This enzyme is essential for the replication of the viral single-stranded RNA genome, catalyzing the synthesis of new RNA strands using viral RNA as a template, without the need for a pre-existing primer[1][3][5][7]. The NS5 protein comprises two major domains: a N-terminal methyltransferase and a C-terminal RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), both necessary for viral genome replication and mRNA capping[1][5]. The RdRp activity is conserved among flaviviruses and exhibits a right-hand structure with characteristic motifs crucial for catalysis[3][5]. Because humans lack true RNA-dependent RNA polymerases, JEV RdRp is an attractive target for antiviral drug development, with experimental evidence supporting the efficacy of both nucleoside analogs and non-nucleoside molecules in inhibiting its activity[2][4][7]. Targeting JEV RdRp offers potential selectivity and limited host toxicity, though challenges for antiviral therapy include emergence of viral resistance, toxicity of nucleoside analogs, and achieving adequate drug permeability into the central nervous system where the virus exerts pathology[4][7].

Other names

JEV RdRpNS5 polymeraseJapanese encephalitis virus NS5 RNA polymeraseFlavivirus RdRp

Nucleoside analog inhibition of polymerase activity (chain termination and/or competitive substrate inhibition)[4] Non-nucleoside inhibition (binding to allosteric or catalytic sites to block RNA synthesis)[2][7] Disruption of RNA binding and/or nucleotide incorporation