Intracellular Replication Strategies of Viruses: Molecular Mechanisms of RNA Virus Integration into the Host Cell Genome

Abstract

This study explores the diverse intracellular replication strategies employed by RNA viruses, with a primary focus on the molecular pathways governing their integration into the host cell genome. While most RNA viruses replicate within the cytoplasm, retroviruses and certain non-retroviral RNA viruses have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to transit their genetic material into the nucleus and achieve stable integration. We examine the critical role of the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase in synthesizing proviral DNA and the subsequent function of integrase in mediating the covalent insertion of the viral genome into host chromatin. Furthermore, this article analyzes the site-specific selection of integration, the impact of chromatin accessibility on viral persistence, and the long-term evolutionary consequences of endogenous retroviral sequences within the host germline. By elucidating these molecular interactions, the study highlights potential therapeutic targets for inhibiting viral latency and understanding the complexities of virus-host co-evolution.