Long noncoding RNAs in respiratory viruses: A review

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Virology
• Genetics

Background:

• Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
• Both host and viral lncRNAs influence host gene expression, impacting viral replication and host immune responses.
• Understanding lncRNA functions in host-virus interactions is vital for developing novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the critical roles of lncRNAs in host-pathogen interactions, specifically focusing on respiratory viruses.
• To elucidate how lncRNAs modulate host gene expression during infections with influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2.
• To highlight the potential of lncRNAs as therapeutic targets for respiratory viral diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on lncRNAs and their involvement in host-virus interactions.
• Analysis of lncRNA regulatory mechanisms at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
• Focus on specific respiratory viruses: IAV, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2.

Main Results:

• lncRNAs significantly impact viral replication, latency, and host immune signaling pathways.
• lncRNAs modulate the production of cytokines, chemokines, and interferons (IFNs) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs).
• Viral lncRNAs can manipulate host gene expression to favor viral propagation.

Conclusions:

• lncRNAs are central players in the complex interplay between hosts and respiratory viruses.
• Targeting lncRNAs offers a promising avenue for novel antiviral therapies against IAV, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2.
• Further research into lncRNA-virus interactions can unlock new strategies for managing respiratory viral infections.