Membrane architects: how positive- strand RNA viruses restructure the cell

Virus infection is a process that requires combined contributions from both virus and host factors. For this process to be effi-cient within the crowded host environment, viruses have evolved ways to manipulate and reorganize host structures to produce cellular microenvironments. Positive-strand RNA virus replication and assembly occurs in association with cytoplasmic mem-branes, causing a reorganization of these membranes to create microenvironments that support viral processes. Similarities between virus-induced membrane domains and cellular organelles have led to the description of these structures as virus replication organelles (vRO). Electron microscopy analysis of vROs in positive-strand RNA virus infected cells has revealed surprising morphological similarities between genetically diverse virus species. For all positive-strand RNA viruses, vROs can be categorized into two groups: those that make invaginations into the cellular membranes (In- vRO), and those that cause the production of protrusions from cellular membranes (Pr- vRO), most often in the form of double membrane vesicles (DMVs). In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge on the structure and biogenesis of these two different vRO classes as well as comparing morphology and function of vROs between various positive-strand RNA viruses. Finally, we will discuss recent studies describing pharmaceutical intervention in vRO formation as an avenue to control virus infection.

Automated summary

Virus infection requires contributions from both virus and host factors, and viruses have evolved ways to manipulate host structures to create cellular microenvironments for efficient replication. Positive-strand RNA viruses form virus replication organelles (vROs) in infected cells, which can be categorized into In-vRO and Pr-vRO. Recent studies have shown that pharmaceutical intervention in vRO formation can potentially control virus infection.