Structure and Function of Influenza Virus Ribonucleoprotein

Subcell Biochem. 2018:88:95-128. doi: 10.1007/978-981-10-8456-0_5.

Abstract

Influenza is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus with segmented genome. Each segment is encapsidated by a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex composed of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) and multiple copies of nucleoprotein (NP). The RNP complex plays a crucial role in viral life cycle, supporting and regulating transcription and replication of viral genome in infected cells. The structural characterization of RdRP and RNP in recent years has shed light on its functions and mechanism of action. In this review, we summarize current understanding on the structure of RNP complex, as well as the structure of each subunit. Crucial functions of RNP are also discussed.

Keywords: Influenza; Nucleoprotein; PA; PB1; PB2; RNA-dependent RNA polymerase; Ribonucleoprotein; Viral transcription and replication.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Genome, Viral / physiology
  • Humans
  • Orthomyxoviridae* / chemistry
  • Orthomyxoviridae* / physiology
  • RNA, Viral* / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Viral* / chemistry
  • RNA, Viral* / genetics
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase* / chemistry
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase* / genetics
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase* / metabolism
  • Ribonucleoproteins* / chemistry
  • Ribonucleoproteins* / genetics
  • Ribonucleoproteins* / metabolism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Viral Proteins* / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins* / genetics
  • Viral Proteins* / metabolism
  • Virus Replication / physiology*

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • Ribonucleoproteins
  • Viral Proteins
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase