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Updated: Oct 30, 2025

Identification of Nucleolar Factors During HIV-1 Replication Through Rev Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectrometry
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Identification of Nucleolar Factors During HIV-1 Replication Through Rev Immunoprecipitation and Mass Spectrometry

Published on: June 26, 2019

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RNA Helicase DDX3: A Double-Edged Sword for Viral Replication and Immune Signaling

Tomás Hernández-Díaz1,2, Fernando Valiente-Echeverría1,2, Ricardo Soto-Rifo1,2

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Virology, Virology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile.

Microorganisms
|July 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The DEAD-box helicase 3 (DDX3) protein plays a dual role in the immune response and viral replication. Targeting DDX3 shows promise for developing new anticancer and antiviral therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • DDX3 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase crucial for RNA metabolism.
  • It regulates key cellular processes like cell cycle, apoptosis, and immune responses.
  • DDX3 is essential for the replication of various viruses, including HIV-1 and HCV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of DDX3.
  • To highlight DDX3's function as a 'double-edged sword' in host immunity and viral replication.
  • To discuss DDX3 as a therapeutic target for cancer and viral infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on DDX3 function.
  • Analysis of DDX3's involvement in RNA metabolism.
  • Examination of DDX3's role in viral replication and host immune response.

Main Results:

  • DDX3 significantly impacts transcription, translation, and cellular processes.
  • It acts as both a facilitator and inhibitor in antiviral immunity.
  • DDX3 is vital for the life cycle of numerous viruses.
  • Small molecules targeting DDX3 have been developed.

Conclusions:

  • DDX3 is a critical regulator of cellular functions and viral replication.
  • Its complex role in immunity makes it a promising therapeutic target.
  • Targeting DDX3 offers potential for novel anticancer and antiviral treatments.
Keywords:
DDX3antiviral targetmRNA metabolismtype-I interferonviral replication

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