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The molecular virology of coronaviruses
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The molecular virology of coronaviruses

Ella Hartenian, Divya Nandakumar, Azra Lari, Michael Ly, Jessica M. Tucker and Britt A. Glaunsinger
The Journal of biological chemistry, Vol.295(37), pp.12910-12934
09/11/2020
DOI: 10.1074/jbc.REV120.013930
PMCID: PMC7489918
PMID: 32661197
url
https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.REV120.013930View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Few human pathogens have been the focus of as much concentrated worldwide attention as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of COVID-19. Its emergence into the human population and ensuing pandemic came on the heels of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), two other highly pathogenic coronavirus spillovers, which collectively have reshaped our view of a virus family previously associated primarily with the common cold. It has placed intense pressure on the collective scientific community to develop therapeutics and vaccines, whose engineering relies on a detailed understanding of coronavirus biology. Here, we present the molecular virology of coronavirus infection, including its entry into cells, its remarkably sophisticated gene expression and replication mechanisms, its extensive remodeling of the intracellular environment, and its multifaceted immune evasion strategies. We highlight aspects of the viral life cycle that may be amenable to antiviral targeting as well as key features of its biology that await discovery.
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Life Sciences & Biomedicine Science & Technology

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