Annual Review of Virology 

About: Annual Review of Virology is an academic journal published by Annual Reviews. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Biology & Medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 2327-056X. Over the lifetime, 250 publications have been published receiving 15682 citations. The journal is also known as: Ann. Rev. Virol..

Structure, Function, and Evolution of Coronavirus Spike Proteins.

Abstract: The coronavirus spike protein is a multifunctional molecular machine that mediates coronavirus entry into host cells. It first binds to a receptor on the host cell surface through its S1 subunit and then fuses viral and host membranes through its S2 subunit. Two domains in S1 from different coronaviruses recognize a variety of host receptors, leading to viral attachment. The spike protein exists in two structurally distinct conformations, prefusion and postfusion. The transition from prefusion to postfusion conformation of the spike protein must be triggered, leading to membrane fusion. This article reviews current knowledge about the structures and functions of coronavirus spike proteins, illustrating how the two S1 domains recognize different receptors and how the spike proteins are regulated to undergo conformational transitions. I further discuss the evolution of these two critical functions of coronavirus spike proteins, receptor recognition and membrane fusion, in the context of the corresponding fu...

Seasonality of Respiratory Viral Infections.

Abstract: The seasonal cycle of respiratory viral diseases has been widely recognized for thousands of years, as annual epidemics of the common cold and influenza disease hit the human population like clockwork in the winter season in temperate regions. Moreover, epidemics caused by viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the newly emerging SARS-CoV-2 occur during the winter months. The mechanisms underlying the seasonal nature of respiratory viral infections have been examined and debated for many years. The two major contributing factors are the changes in environmental parameters and human behavior. Studies have revealed the effect of temperature and humidity on respiratory virus stability and transmission rates. More recent research highlights the importance of the environmental factors, especially temperature and humidity, in modulating host intrinsic, innate, and adaptive immune responses to viral infections in the respiratory tract. Here we review evidence of how outdoor and indoor climates are linked to the seasonality of viral respiratory infections. We further discuss determinants of host response in the seasonality of respiratory viruses by highlighting recent studies in the field. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology, Volume 7 is September 29, 2020. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Interferon-Stimulated Genes: What Do They All Do?

Abstract: In the absence of an intact interferon (IFN) response, mammals may be susceptible to lethal viral infection. IFNs are secreted cytokines that activate a signal transduction cascade leading to the induction of hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Remarkably, approximately 10% of the genes in the human genome have the potential to be regulated by IFNs. What do all of these genes do? It is a complex question without a simple answer. From decades of research, we know that many of the protein products encoded by these ISGs work alone or in concert to achieve one or more cellular outcomes, including antiviral defense, antiproliferative activities, and stimulation of adaptive immunity. The focus of this review is the antiviral activities of the IFN/ISG system. This includes general paradigms of ISG function, supported by specific examples in the literature, as well as methodologies to identify and characterize ISG function.

Continuous and Discontinuous RNA Synthesis in Coronaviruses

Abstract: Replication of the coronavirus genome requires continuous RNA synthesis, whereas transcription is a discontinuous process unique among RNA viruses. Transcription includes a template switch during the synthesis of subgenomic negative-strand RNAs to add a copy of the leader sequence. Coronavirus transcription is regulated by multiple factors, including the extent of base-pairing between transcription-regulating sequences of positive and negative polarity, viral and cell protein-RNA binding, and high-order RNA-RNA interactions. Coronavirus RNA synthesis is performed by a replication-transcription complex that includes viral and cell proteins that recognize cis-acting RNA elements mainly located in the highly structured 5' and 3' untranslated regions. In addition to many viral nonstructural proteins, the presence of cell nuclear proteins and the viral nucleocapsid protein increases virus amplification efficacy. Coronavirus RNA synthesis is connected with the formation of double-membrane vesicles and convoluted membranes. Coronaviruses encode proofreading machinery, unique in the RNA virus world, to ensure the maintenance of their large genome size.

AAV-Mediated Gene Therapy for Research and Therapeutic Purposes.

Abstract: Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a small, nonenveloped virus that was adapted 30 years ago for use as a gene transfer vehicle. It is capable of transducing a wide range of species and tissues in vivo with no evidence of toxicity, and it generates relatively mild innate and adaptive immune responses. We review the basic biology of AAV, the history of progress in AAV vector technology, and some of the clinical and research applications where AAV has shown success.