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Updated: Jan 15, 2026

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
10:27

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions

Published on: October 21, 2022

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Roles and Applications of Circular RNA in Virus Infection

Fang Gou1, Yanmei Gao1, Keke Zhong1

  • 1Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|October 16, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are key players in viral infections, influencing viral replication and host immunity. Understanding circRNA-virus interactions is vital for developing new antiviral therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are formed by pre-mRNA backsplicing and are implicated in various diseases.
  • Both host and viral circRNAs impact viral infections, affecting viral replication and host immune responses.
  • The precise roles of circRNAs in viral infections and their interactions with hosts require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the characteristics and functions of circRNAs.
  • To summarize recent advances in circRNA-virus interactions during infection.
  • To provide insights for developing therapies against virus-associated diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of circRNA functions and roles in viral infections.
  • Analysis of studies on host-derived and virus-encoded circRNAs.
  • Synthesis of current knowledge on circRNA-host-virus interactions.

Main Results:

  • CircRNAs modulate critical stages of viral infection, including entry, replication, and latency.
  • CircRNAs influence host antiviral immunity and viral immune evasion strategies.
  • Evidence highlights the dual role of circRNAs in promoting or inhibiting viral pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • CircRNAs are significant regulators in viral infections, impacting both viral and host factors.
  • Further research into circRNA-host interactions is crucial for understanding viral pathogenesis.
  • Targeting circRNAs presents a promising therapeutic strategy for viral diseases.
Keywords:
RNA therapycircular RNAshost circRNAsviral circRNAsviral infection

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