Host RNA-binding proteins and specialized viral RNA translation mechanisms: Potential antiviral targets

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are the key regulators of the metabolism of RNA, from its genesis to its degradation. Qualitative and quantitative alterations of RBPs, including their post-translational modifications, impact cellular physiology and are associated with disease processes. Many cellular RBPs also play essential roles in the replication of viruses, especially RNA viruses, which, as obligatory parasites, rely on the host cell's biosynthetic and structural machinery. Viral protein synthesis is a key step in viral lifecycles and critically depends on host RBPs. In many cases, the translation of viral mRNAs employs specialized mechanisms that give viral mRNAs advantages over cellular RNAs. Host RBPs regulate these specialized mechanisms. In this work, we review the role of RBPs in specialized viral RNA translation, focusing on these RBPs as potential antiviral drug targets.