Journal article

Publication year: 2014

Pages: 96-102

Journal: Current Opinion in Microbiology

Volume number: 20

ISSN: 1369-5274

eISSN: 1879-0364

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mib.2014.05.002

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 

The group of negative-stranded RNA viruses (NSVs) with a segmented genome comprises pathogens like influenza virus (eight segments), Rift Valley fever virus and Hantavirus (three segments), or Lassa virus (two segments). Partitioning the genome allows rapid evolution of new strains by reassortment. Each segment carries a short double-stranded (ds) ‘panhandle’ structure which serves as promoter. Similar dsRNA structures, however, represent the optimal ligand for RIG-I, a cytoplasmic pathogen sensor of the antiviral interferon response. Thus, segmenting a virus genome can entail an increased RIG-I sensitivity. Here, we outline the astonishingly diverse and efficient strategies by which segmented NSVs are compensating for the elevated number of RIG-I ligands in their genome.

Harvard Citation style: Weber, M. and Weber, F. (2014) Segmented negative-strand RNA viruses and RIG-I: divide (your genome) and rule, Current Opinion in Microbiology, 20, pp. 96-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mib.2014.05.002

APA Citation style: Weber, M., & Weber, F. (2014). Segmented negative-strand RNA viruses and RIG-I: divide (your genome) and rule. Current Opinion in Microbiology. 20, 96-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mib.2014.05.002