Viral RNA genome (vRNA)

The viral RNA genome is the complete set of genetic instructions for an RNA virus, existing as either single-stranded (ssRNA) or double-stranded (dsRNA) molecules (NCBI, 2002). It serves as a critical template for the translation of viral polyproteins and the replication of new genomic strands by viral polymerases (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2017). Many viral RNA genomes contain intricate structural elements, such as internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) or 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), which recruit host and viral factors to initiate protein synthesis and regulate stability (PubMed, 2021). As the core component of viral pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1, and Hepatitis C virus, the RNA genome is a primary driver of infectious diseases and associated inflammatory responses (WHO, 2023). Therapeutic interventions targeting the viral RNA genome include nucleoside analogs that act as chain terminators or induce error-prone replication, leading to lethal mutagenesis (PubChem, 2024). Furthermore, modern approaches utilize antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and RNA interference (RNAi) to directly bind and catalyze the degradation of the viral genome, thereby halting the infection cycle (NIH, 2022).

Other names

Viral RNAGenomic RNAvRNAViral ribonucleic acid

Lethal mutagenesis, premature chain termination, RNA interference (RNAi), and antisense-mediated degradation or translation blocking (PubMed, 2021; Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 2017).