{"title":"Host RNA-binding proteins and specialized viral RNA translation mechanisms: potential antiviral targets.","authors":"Leandro Fernández-García, Mariano A Garcia-Blanco","doi":"10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106142","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are the key regulators of the metabolism of RNA, from its genesis to its degradation. Qualitative and quantitative alterations of RBPs, including their post-translational modifications, impact cellular physiology and are associated with disease processes. Many cellular RBPs also play essential roles in the replication of viruses, especially RNA viruses, which, as obligatory parasites, rely on the host cell's biosynthetic and structural machinery. Viral protein synthesis is a key step in viral lifecycles and critically depends on host RBPs. In many cases, the translation of viral mRNAs employs specialized mechanisms that give viral mRNAs advantages over cellular RNAs. Host RBPs regulate these specialized mechanisms. In this work, we review the role of RBPs in specialized viral RNA translation, focusing on these RBPs as potential antiviral drug targets.</p>","PeriodicalId":8259,"journal":{"name":"Antiviral research","volume":" ","pages":"106142"},"PeriodicalIF":4.5000,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Antiviral research","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106142","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are the key regulators of the metabolism of RNA, from its genesis to its degradation. Qualitative and quantitative alterations of RBPs, including their post-translational modifications, impact cellular physiology and are associated with disease processes. Many cellular RBPs also play essential roles in the replication of viruses, especially RNA viruses, which, as obligatory parasites, rely on the host cell's biosynthetic and structural machinery. Viral protein synthesis is a key step in viral lifecycles and critically depends on host RBPs. In many cases, the translation of viral mRNAs employs specialized mechanisms that give viral mRNAs advantages over cellular RNAs. Host RBPs regulate these specialized mechanisms. In this work, we review the role of RBPs in specialized viral RNA translation, focusing on these RBPs as potential antiviral drug targets.
期刊介绍:
Antiviral Research is a journal that focuses on various aspects of controlling viral infections in both humans and animals. It is a platform for publishing research reports, short communications, review articles, and commentaries. The journal covers a wide range of topics including antiviral drugs, antibodies, and host-response modifiers. These topics encompass their synthesis, in vitro and in vivo testing, as well as mechanisms of action. Additionally, the journal also publishes studies on the development of new or improved vaccines against viral infections in humans. It delves into assessing the safety of drugs and vaccines, tracking the evolution of drug or vaccine-resistant viruses, and developing effective countermeasures. Another area of interest includes the identification and validation of new drug targets. The journal further explores laboratory animal models of viral diseases, investigates the pathogenesis of viral diseases, and examines the mechanisms by which viruses avoid host immune responses.