Structure-Function Assays for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Polymerase

The recently developed Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) reverse genetics systems have paved the way for experiments looking to identify and characterize the roles played by viral and cellular proteins in the CCHFV life cycle. In particular, the development of the noninfectious minigenome and virus-like particle (VLP) systems is a tremendous technological advance, as these systems allow for precisely targeting proteins or nucleic acids and measuring the effects these mutations or treatments have on viral life cycle stages. Importantly, these systems can be used at low-containment levels. Presented are the materials and methods currently available to study CCHFV transcription, replication, and translation in the context of a minigenome or VLP.