RNA-directed RNA polymerase L protein (L protein)

The RNA-directed RNA polymerase L protein is a large multifunctional enzyme found in negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. It catalyzes both the replication and transcription of the viral genome by synthesizing complementary RNAs from an RNA template. The enzyme also performs essential capping and methylation modifications on newly synthesized viral mRNAs, which are required for their stability and translation in host cells. The "L" designation refers to its large size relative to other structural proteins encoded by these viruses. This enzyme is highly conserved among various pathogenic viruses—including rhabdoviruses, paramyxoviruses, filoviruses—and represents a validated antiviral drug target due to its central role in the infectious cycle.

Other names

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase LRdRp L proteinLarge (L) proteinViral polymerase L subunit

Inhibition of the polymerase active site to block viral genome replication and transcription