Viral RNA replication and transcription complex (RTC) (RTC)

Viral RNA synthesis and processing refers to the coordinated activity of the viral replication-transcription complex (RTC), which is responsible for replicating the viral genome and synthesizing viral messenger RNA (PMID: 32733330). This complex is typically anchored by an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and may include auxiliary proteins such as helicases, exonucleases for proofreading, and methyltransferases for 5' RNA capping (Nature Reviews Microbiology, doi:10.1038/s41579-019-0232-x). These processes are essential for the life cycle of RNA viruses and are distinct from host cellular processes, making them high-priority therapeutic targets. Antiviral drugs targeting this machinery, such as Remdesivir and Molnupiravir, often function as nucleoside analogs that either terminate RNA chain elongation or induce a lethal mutagenesis effect that collapses the viral population (Nature, doi:10.1038/s41586-021-03911-7). Other inhibitors may target the capping mechanism or helicase activity to prevent the production of functional viral proteins. While highly effective, these therapies must navigate challenges such as the emergence of resistant viral strains and potential off-target effects on host mitochondrial polymerases (PMID: 33081157). This target class is critical for treating a wide range of viral infections, including COVID-19, Hepatitis C, and Influenza.

Other names

Viral RNA synthesis and processingViral replication machineryRNA-dependent RNA polymerase complexViral replicaseViral replication-transcription complex

Inhibition of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) through chain termination or lethal mutagenesis; inhibition of viral mRNA capping enzymes; inhibition of viral helicase activity.