Viral RNA genome synthesis

“Viral RNA genome synthesis” is the process by which RNA viruses direct the generation of progeny viral RNA genomes within infected host cells. This is catalyzed primarily by virally-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRp), often operating as part of a multi-protein replicase complex, which may also include viral helicases and other cofactors[1][2]. The process includes synthesis of full-length genomes, antigenomic copies, and subgenomic mRNAs required for virion assembly and propagation. RdRp and associated proteins are the main molecular drug targets within this process[1][2]. Therapeutic interventions focus on inhibiting the activity of RdRp or its auxiliary factors to halt viral replication.

Other names

RNA genome replicationViral RNA replicationRNA virus replication

Inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity (blocks RNA chain elongation or initiation); Promote error catastrophe (increased error rate leading to nonviable viral genomes); Chain termination (prevents completion of RNA strand synthesis)