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Updated: May 9, 2025

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: October 21, 2022
Human and pathogen-encoded circular RNAs in viral infections: insights into functions and therapeutic opportunities
Noah L Mueller1, Adela Dujsikova1, Amrita Singh1
1Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06519, United States.
Abstract:
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging as important regulatory molecules in both host and viral systems, acting as microRNA sponges, protein decoys or scaffolds, and templates for protein translation. Host-derived circRNAs are increasingly recognized for their roles in immune responses, while virus-encoded circRNAs, especially those from DNA viruses, have been shown to modulate host cellular machinery to favor viral replication and immune evasion. Recently, RNA virus-encoded circRNAs were also discovered, but evidence suggests that they might be generated using a different mechanism compared to the circRNAs produced from the host and DNA viruses. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of both host and virus-derived circRNAs, with a focus on their biological roles and contributions to pathogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers and their application as therapeutic targets or scaffolds for RNA-based therapies. Understanding the roles of circRNAs in host-virus interactions offers novel insights into RNA biology and opens new avenues for therapeutic strategies against viral diseases and associated cancers.
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