The field of virology focuses on elucidating interactions between viruses and host cellular systems, particularly in how viruses impact transcription and mRNA decay pathways. RNA viruses, notorious for their role in health threats, and oncoviruses, responsible for 12% of global cancers, are adept at hijacking host cellular machinery for their replication benefits. Proviral host factors, proteins, and RNAs manipulated by viruses, play a crucial role in this process. Recent studies have illuminated various viral strategies, such as flaviviruses producing subgenomic flavivirus RNAs (sfRNAs) to halt mRNA degradation and other viruses like Herpes and Bunya disrupting RNA polymerase II to suppress transcription. Meanwhile, poliovirus destabilizes key enzymes in RNA decay pathways, and oncoviruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and KSHV alter host chromatin and expedite mRNA decay. These discoveries underscore the pressing need for an advanced understanding of these molecular interactions, their repercussions for viral pathogenesis, and the host's response.

This Research Topic aims to foster deeper investigations into how viruses engage with host transcription and mRNA decay systems, placing an emphasis on RNA and oncogenic viruses. The objectives are to decode the mechanisms by which viruses modify transcription and decay pathways, uncover new proviral host factors, and discuss the broader consequences for viral proliferation and pathogenesis. The study will focus on addressing pivotal questions such as the interaction dynamics between viral proteins and host RNAs, the role of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in managing viral gene expression, and explore potential antiviral therapeutic targets within these interactions.

To gather further insights in viral interactions with host cellular pathways, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Interplay of the virus with the host transcription apparatus
- Interplay between virus and host mRNA decay factors
- Viral protein and cellular RNA interaction
- Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) mediated regulation of gene expression during virus infection
- Potential therapeutic interventions targeting viral manipulation of host systems

By exploring these themes, our objective is to progress our understanding of viruses' influence on host cellular pathways and identify novel therapeutic avenues. We invite original Research articles, Brief Research Reports, Methods, Mini Reviews, and Reviews for submission.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Mechanisms of Viral Manipulation in Host Transcription and mRNA Decay Pathways