ViroBlogy

See on Scoop.it – Virology News

Laureates question choice of interim scientific director.

See on www.nature.com

See on Scoop.it – Virology News

“Viral protein synthesis is completely dependent upon the translational machinery of the host cell. However, many RNA virus transcripts have marked structural differences from cellular mRNAs that preclude canonical translation initiation, such as the absence of a 5′ cap structure or the presence of highly structured 5′UTRs containing replication and/or packaging signals. Furthermore, whilst the great majority of cellular mRNAs are apparently monocistronic, RNA viruses must often express multiple proteins from their mRNAs. In addition, RNA viruses have very compact genomes and are under intense selective pressure to optimize usage of the available sequence space. Together, these features have driven the evolution of a plethora of non-canonical translational mechanisms in RNA viruses that help them to meet these challenges. Here, we review the mechanisms utilized by RNA viruses of eukaryotes, focusing on internal ribosome entry, leaky scanning, non-AUG initiation, ribosome shunting, reinitiation, ribosomal frameshifting and stop-codon readthrough. The review will highlight recently discovered examples of unusual translational strategies, besides revisiting some classical cases.”

Great article for anyone interested in how RNA viruses subvert cellular processes.

See on vir.sgmjournals.org

See on Scoop.it – Virology News

“Viral STDs make up the modern “4-H club.” Herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papilloma virus (HPV), hepatitis (B and C), and HIV are the most common STDs, causing pain, cancer, liver disease and AIDS, respectively.

Condoms significantly decrease transmission rates of the most life-threatening viruses, HIV and hep B and C.

Unfortunately, condoms do not do an adequate job of protecting against human papilloma or herpes simplex virus infections. Women diagnosed with HPV are often mystified and frustrated, having been “super careful,” or picky, in choosing intimate partners and faithfully using condoms for all intercourse.

But UCSF researchers have shown these viruses to be present on genital skin with no symptoms that might prompt diagnosis and treatment. That means HPV and HSV can be deposited on the condom’s outer surface from viral particles living on the scrotum, penile shaft not covered by the condom or vaginal/vulvar tissues.”

Interesting – because it’s been known a while that condoms are less effective in preventing spread of HPV than for bacterial STDs and HIV, and now we know why.  The only things that can really prevent the transmission of these agents, in the absence of abstinence, is vaccination.

See on www.sfgate.com

See on Scoop.it – Virology News

“There’s buzz about a new treatment that could save bee populations from a deadly virus.
Researchers at the University of Manitoba have found a way to suppress the deformed-wing virus (DWV), which has had catastrophic effects on bee colonies worldwide, causing many to have crumpled or deformed wings.
Entomology PhD student Suresh Desai fed his bees double-stranded RNA, a treatment that prevented the virus from expressing itself in the host.
“It gives us a little bit of hope that we can manage this virus, because there is no control mechanism right now,” he said.
The study, published online on Insect Molecular Biology on June 12, showed bees fed the double-stranded RNA in a syrup and then inoculated with the virus had a much better survival rate than those who weren’t. RNA is much like DNA, but is in a single strand. It carries the genetic material of some viruses, including DWV. RNA is taken from the DWV and then converted into a double strand. When introduced in the bee, it suppresses the viral RNA.”

I find it fascinating that the dsRNA that we as plant virologists grew to know and love in the 1980s – because it’s easier to isolate from plants than ssRNA, and far more stable – has newly become so much more useful as an anti-viral therapeutic.  And you can isolate a tonne of dsRNA from virus-infected insects, too, so it’s also interesting why exogenous material should be effective.

See on www.winnipegfreepress.com