[Ribonucleases as antiviral agents]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Ribonucleases (RNases) are known to inhibit viral reproduction in cellular and animal models.
• The precise molecular mechanisms underlying RNase antiviral activity are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review known RNases with antiviral effects, including intracellular and exogenous types.
• To explore key molecular aspects like catalytic activity and dimerization in antiviral RNases.
• To propose a model for virus elimination by exogenous RNases and their cellular interactions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of established RNases with antiviral properties.
• Analysis of the roles of catalytic activity and dimerization in RNase antiviral function.
• Development of a hypothetical scheme for virus elimination by exogenous RNases.

Main Results:

• Identified intracellular RNases (RNase L, MCPIPI, eosinophilic RNases) and exogenous RNases (RNase A, BS-RNase, onconase, binase, synthetic RNases) with antiviral effects.
• Highlighted catalytic activity and dimerization as crucial, though not always obligatory, features of antiviral RNases.
• Proposed a model illustrating potential interactions between exogenous RNases, viruses, and host cells.

Conclusions:

• RNases are integral components of the immune defense system.
• RNases represent promising agents for the development of novel antiviral therapeutics.