RNA Sequence Features Are at the Core of Influenza a Virus Genome Packaging

Publication date: Available online 23 March 2019Source: Journal of Molecular BiologyAuthor(s): Md Shafiuddin, Adrianus C.M. BoonAbstractThe influenza A virus (IAV), a respiratory pathogen for humans, poses serious medical and economic challenges to global healthcare systems. The IAV genome, consisting of eight single-stranded viral RNA (vRNA) segments, is incorporated into virions by a complex process known as genome packaging. Specific RNA sequences within the vRNA segments serve as signals that are necessary for genome packaging. Even though efficient packaging is a prerequisite for viral infectivity, many of the mechanistic details about this process are still missing. In this review, we discuss the recent advances towards the understanding of IAV genome packaging and focus on the RNA features that play a role in this process.Graphical abstract
Source: Journal of Molecular Biology - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research