Zaire ebolavirus polymerase cofactor VP35 mRNA (VP35 mRNA)

Zaire ebolavirus VP35 mRNA is the transcript encoding the multifunctional Viral Protein 35 (VP35), which is a critical virulence factor for the Ebola virus (EBOV) [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. The encoded VP35 protein functions as an essential cofactor for the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L protein) and acts as a potent antagonist of the host's innate immune response by inhibiting type I interferon (IFN) production [1.1.1, 1.2.3]. Specifically, VP35 prevents the activation of RIG-I and the phosphorylation of IRF-3, thereby suppressing the induction of antiviral genes [1.1.2, 1.5.3]. Due to its central role in viral replication and immune evasion, the VP35 mRNA is a primary target for nucleic acid-based therapeutics, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs) [1.3.1, 1.4.1]. Experimental drugs such as TKM-Ebola and AVI-7539 have been designed to target this mRNA to trigger its degradation or block its translation, effectively reducing viral titers and potentially restoring host immune function [1.1.1, 1.3.1].

Other names

EBOV VP35 mRNAZEBOV VP35 mRNAViral protein 35 mRNAZaire ebolavirus VP35 transcriptPolymerase cofactor VP35 mRNA

RNA interference (RNAi) leading to mRNA degradation or antisense-mediated steric hindrance of translation.