Negative and ambisense RNA virus ribonucleocapsids: more than protective armor

Kimberly R. Sabsay, Aartjan J.W. te Velthuis

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Negative and ambisense RNA viruses are the causative agents of important human diseases such as influenza, measles, Lassa fever, and Ebola hemorrhagic fever. The viral genome of these RNA viruses consists of one or more single-stranded RNA molecules that are encapsidated by viral nucleocapsid proteins to form a ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP). This RNP acts as protection, as a scaffold for RNA folding, and as the context for viral replication and transcription by a viral RNA polymerase. However, the roles of the viral nucleoproteins extend beyond these functions during the viral infection cycle. Recent advances in structural biology techniques and analysis methods have provided new insights into the formation, function, dynamics, and evolution of negative sense virus nucleocapsid proteins, as well as the role that they play in host innate immune responses against viral infection. In this review, we discuss the various roles of nucleocapsid proteins, both in the context of RNPs and in RNA-free states, as well as the open questions that remain.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number00082-23
JournalMicrobiology and Molecular Biology Reviews
Volume87
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2023

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

Keywords

  • NP
  • RNA polymerase
  • RNA structure
  • RNP
  • RdRp
  • ambisense virus
  • influenza A virus
  • innate immune
  • negative sense RNA virus
  • nucleoprotein
  • t-loop

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