Virus-host interactions during tick-borne bunyavirus infection

Area of Science:

• Virology and Molecular Biology
• Infectious Diseases
• Arthropod-borne Viruses

Background:

• The Bunyavirales order represents the largest known group of RNA viruses, encompassing significant human, plant, and animal pathogens.
• Bunyaviruses are globally distributed, with many species transmitted by arthropod vectors, highlighting the importance of virus-vector interactions.
• Existing research on tick-borne bunyavirus cellular interactions is predominantly focused on mammalian systems, leaving a gap in understanding tick-specific interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize the current knowledge on how tick-borne bunyaviruses interact with and manipulate host cellular pathways.
• To highlight the utilization of key cellular processes, including innate immunity, apoptosis, and RNA interference (RNAi), by these viruses.
• To compare and contrast viral manipulation strategies in both mammalian and tick host cells.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing findings from existing studies on tick-borne bunyaviruses.
• Analysis of cellular pathways targeted by bunyaviruses, focusing on innate immunity, apoptosis, and RNAi.
• Comparative examination of viral replication mechanisms in mammalian versus tick cellular environments.

Main Results:

• Tick-borne bunyaviruses employ diverse strategies to subvert host cellular machinery for replication.
• Key cellular pathways such as innate immune responses, programmed cell death (apoptosis), and RNA interference are significantly manipulated.
• Evidence suggests distinct, yet potentially overlapping, mechanisms of host cell manipulation are utilized in mammalian and tick hosts.

Conclusions:

• Understanding bunyavirus manipulation of cellular pathways in both mammalian and tick hosts is crucial for controlling these emerging pathogens.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the intricate virus-host interactions within the arthropod vector.
• This review underscores the need for a broader perspective, integrating knowledge from both mammalian and vector systems to combat bunyavirus infections.