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Persistent RNA virus infections: do PAMPS drive chronic disease?
Mary K McCarthy1, Thomas E Morrison1
1Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, USA.
Current Opinion in Virology
|February 20, 2017
Summary
Persistent RNA virus infections cause chronic disease. Viral RNA persistence may activate RNA sensing pathways, driving disease manifestations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Persistent RNA virus infections, like HIV-1 and HCV, are major public health issues.
- Re-emerging viruses like chikungunya, Ebola, and Zika also establish persistent infections.
- Mechanisms linking RNA viruses to chronic disease remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how persistent viral RNA contributes to chronic disease.
- To investigate the role of RNA sensing pathways in viral persistence and chronic illness.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on RNA virus persistence.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying viral RNA-host interactions.
- Discussion of RNA sensing pathways activation by viral RNA.
Main Results:
- Viral RNA persistence is a common feature of chronic RNA virus infections.
- RNA sensing pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic viral diseases.
- Activation of these pathways by viral RNA can lead to sustained inflammation and tissue damage.
Conclusions:
- Persistent viral RNA is a key driver of chronic disease.
- Targeting RNA sensing pathways presents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing chronic viral infections.
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