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Coronavirus Replication: Genomes, Subgenomic RNAs, and Defective Viral Genomes

Rory Williams1,2, Jack Hales2, William Collier2

  • 1Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 2UD, UK.

Viruses
|June 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Coronaviruses produce various RNA types during replication, including defective viral genomes. Studying these defective genomes reveals insights into viral replication and host interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic heightened interest in coronavirus replication mechanisms.
  • Coronaviruses generate diverse RNA species, including subgenomic RNAs and defective viral genomes (DVGs), during replication.
  • DVGs can influence viral production and host antiviral responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the intracellular replication process of coronaviruses.
  • To detail the mechanisms of RNA species production, focusing on discontinuous replication.
  • To examine the behavior and implications of coronavirus defective viral genomes.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on coronavirus RNA replication.
  • Analysis of mechanisms underlying discontinuous RNA synthesis.
  • Examination of the role and impact of defective viral genomes.

Main Results:

  • Coronaviruses employ discontinuous replication to produce subgenomic RNAs and DVGs.
  • DVGs can compete with wild-type genomes, affecting virion production.
  • DVGs may trigger antiviral responses in host cells.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding DVG production and behavior is crucial for comprehending coronavirus replication.
  • DVGs offer insights into essential genomic elements for replication and packaging.
  • Further research into DVGs can inform antiviral strategies.
Keywords:
DVGsSARS-CoV-2coronavirusesdefective viral genomesrecombination

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