All articles tagged with #viral rna
Stanford University researchers have used super-resolution microscopy to capture highly detailed images of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA and replication structures within infected cells. This breakthrough could enhance antiviral drug development by providing precise insights into the virus's replication process and how it evades cellular defenses.
Bacterial cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) in the CBASS system senses viral RNA to initiate immunity in bacteria. Researchers investigated the activation mechanism of type I CBASS cyclases in staphylococci and found that a viral RNA, called cabRNA, activates the cyclase Ssc-CdnE03. The cabRNA contains secondary structures that are essential for cyclase activation. Mutations in positively charged residues of the cyclase disrupt the binding of cabRNA and impair cGAMP production. The study also revealed that other cyclases, such as Sha-CdnE01, from different CBASS systems can also be activated by cabRNA.
Two recent studies have found that fragments of the HIV genome can persist inside immune cells, even when antiretroviral treatment is suppressing the virus's ability to replicate. These viral RNA fragments, although not infectious, could potentially irritate and exhaust the immune system. The presence of viral RNA in immune cells may contribute to persistent immune activation and inflammation, which can have negative consequences for individuals living with HIV, even when they are successfully treated with antiretroviral therapy. These findings shed light on the complex nature of HIV persistence and the ongoing interaction between the virus and the immune system.