Viral RNA Dynamics: Regulatory Mechanisms in Host-Pathogen Interactions

Viral RNA plays a crucial role in viral replication and pathogenesis, manifesting in various forms, including genomic RNA in the case of RNA viruses, mRNA as the result of viral gene expression in all viruses, RNA interference (RNAi), circular RNA (circRNA), and non-coding RNA. Despite significant advancements in our understanding, the intricate mechanisms by which these RNA forms influence viral behavior and host-pathogen interactions remain incompletely elucidated.

Recent investigations have shed light on the potential of both host and viral RNAi in modulating gene expression and viruses' exploitation of it to circumvent host immune responses. Circular RNAs, though less comprehensively studied, appear to be integral to viral life cycles and immune evasion strategies. Furthermore, the roles of non-coding RNA in viral evolution and pathogenicity represent a frontier ripe for exploration.

This Research Topic aims to advance our understanding of these sophisticated molecular mechanisms and explore novel therapeutic approaches. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that:

-Elucidate the regulatory functions of viral RNA components in cross-species transmission
-Investigate the modulation of host immune responses by viral RNA
-Examine the interplay between different forms of viral RNA in pathogenesis
-Explore innovative approaches to targeting and utilizing viral RNA for therapeutic interventions
-Analyze the evolutionary implications of viral RNA diversity

This Research Topic seeks to contribute to the development of more effective antiviral strategies and deepen our understanding of virus-host interactions at the molecular level by fostering a comprehensive exploration of viral RNA biology.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: RNA Sequencing, RNA Replication, RNA Modifications, Host-Virus Interactions, RNA Interference (RNAi), Antiviral Therapeutics

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.