How the influenza virus achieves efficient viral RNA replication

New insights on how subunits of the influenza virus polymerase co-evolve to ensure efficient viral RNA replication are provided by a study published in the PLOS Pathogens journal, by researchers from the Institut Pasteur and the CNRS (French National Center for Scientific Research). As the authors note, the findings could lead to novel strategies for antiviral drug development.

Because of their yearly recurrence and the potential emergence of pandemic viruses, influenza viruses represent a worldwide major public health threat. Enhancing fundamental knowledge about the RNA-polymerase of influenza viruses, which is an enzyme that consists of three subunits (i.e., a heterotrimer) and ensures transcription and replication of the viral genome, is essential to reach the goal of better prevention and treatment of disease.

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