Key result
The polycytidine tract in picornaviruses acts as a viral security RNA element crucial for virulence, and its truncation attenuates the virus for potential use in vaccines and oncolytic virotherapy.
Why the study?
Although long polycytidine tracts were described in the genomes of picornaviruses over 50 years ago, the molecular basis of their function remains unknown.
The polyC tract in Cardio- and Aphthoviruses is a key determinant of viral pathogenicity and virulence, offering potential targets for viral attenuation in vaccine development and oncolytic virotherapy.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
PolyC tracts may act as viral security elements modulating cardiovirus virulence; leaves open their role in cardiac infections.
Long polycytidine (polyC) tracts varying in length from 50 to 400 nucleotides were first described in the 5'-noncoding region (NCR) of genomes of picornaviruses belonging to the Cardio- and Aphthovirus genera over 50 years ago, but the molecular basis of their function is still unknown. Truncation or complete deletion of the polyC tracts in picornaviruses compromises virulence and pathogenicity but do not affect replicative fitness in vitro, suggesting a role as "viral security" RNA element. The evidence available suggests that the presence of a long polyC tract is required for replication in immune cells, which impacts viral distribution and targeting, and, consequently, pathogenic progression. Viral attenuation achieved by reduction of the polyC tract length has been successfully used for vaccine strategies. Further elucidation of the role of the polyC tract in viral replication cycle and its connection with replication in immune cells has the potential to expand the arsenal of tools in the fight against cancer in oncolytic virotherapy (OV). Here, we review the published data on the biological significance and mechanisms of action of the polyC tract in viral pathogenesis in Cardio- and Aphthoviruses.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Penza et al. (2021) conducted a review in Picornavirus infection. Polycytidine (polyC) tract truncation was evaluated. The polycytidine tract in picornaviruses acts as a viral security RNA element crucial for virulence, and its truncation attenuates the virus for potential use in vaccines and oncolytic virotherapy.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: