TITLE:
Virus-Encoded MicroRNAs Reveal How Ranavirus Interacts with Amphibian Immune Defense
AUTHORS:
Aaron Yang
KEYWORDS:
Ranaviruses, Amphibians, Virus-Encoded MicroRNA, Frog Virus 3, Virus-Host Interaction
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering,
Vol.17 No.10,
October
22,
2024
ABSTRACT: Ranaviruses are harmful viruses that infect amphibians, fish, and reptiles, and have caused particularly devastating declines in amphibian populations. One particular type of ranavirus, called Frog Virus 3 (FV3), has been extensively studied due to its prevalence and impact on amphibians. Previous research has primarily focused on the virus’s genes, but little attention has been given to the non-coding regions of its genome. This article reviews recent studies that reveal the ability of ranaviruses, including FV3, to encode microRNA (miRNA), a type of regulatory RNA. These viral miRNAs play a crucial role in suppressing frog immune genes, modulating the virus-host interaction, and promoting viral infection. Understanding how ranaviruses use miRNAs to control disease progression is essential for addressing the health threat they pose to wildlife and ecosystems.