About this Research Topic
Positive-sense single-stranded RNA [ssRNA(+)] viruses consist of more than 50 families (such as Picornaviridae, Flaviviridae, and so on) according to the current International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) taxonomy. They are responsible for various diseases and pose a global threat to human health and lives. Virus-host interactions are complex processes. Once the ssRNA(+) virus invades the host cell, the positive-strand RNA functions as a template for the synthesis of negative-stranded RNA by RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) which represents an attractive drug target, and also for the translation of viral polyproteins. The regulation of the fundamental viral infectious cycle generally involves cis-acting RNA elements within genomes, which interact with viral and host factors. To create opportunities for efficient replication, ssRNA(+) viruses develop diverse mechanisms to actively evade the host innate immune system and particularly the IFN response. The actual link between host innate immune evasion and viral pathogenesis remains to be further investigated. Recently, the effects of viral genetics on viral virulence have been an area of intensive study. More available knowledge on the pathogenesis of ssRNA(+) viruses is imperative for developing novel and more effective treatments and prevention strategies.
This Research Topic is focused on uncovering the uncharacterized or more detailed molecular mechanisms of ssRNA(+) virus infection and pathogenicity, especially for picornaviruses and flaviviruses. In addition, research on the effective antiviral strategies for these clinically important infectious ssRNA(+) viruses is encouraged as well.
We welcome the submission of Original Research, Brief Research Report, Review, Mini Review, Methods, Correction, Hypothesis & Theory, and Perspective, which includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:
- Molecular mechanism of viral pathogenesis and virus-host interactions
- Changes in viral virulence caused by genomic nucleotide mutations
- Antiviral strategies, including the development of inhibitors, drugs and vaccines
- Viral infection and innate immunity
- Correlation and infection characteristics among ssRNA(+)
This Research Topic is focused on uncovering the uncharacterized or more detailed molecular mechanisms of ssRNA(+) virus infection and pathogenicity, especially for picornaviruses and flaviviruses. In addition, research on the effective antiviral strategies for these clinically important infectious ssRNA(+) viruses is encouraged as well.
We welcome the submission of Original Research, Brief Research Report, Review, Mini Review, Methods, Correction, Hypothesis & Theory, and Perspective, which includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:
- Molecular mechanism of viral pathogenesis and virus-host interactions
- Changes in viral virulence caused by genomic nucleotide mutations
- Antiviral strategies, including the development of inhibitors, drugs and vaccines
- Viral infection and innate immunity
- Correlation and infection characteristics among ssRNA(+)
Keywords: antiviral strategies, ssRNA(+), picornaviruses, flaviviruses, viral pathogenesis
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
