Role of the C terminus of Lassa virus L protein in viral mRNA synthesis.

ABSTRACT: The N terminus of arenavirus L protein contains an endonuclease presumably involved in "cap snatching." Here, we employed the Lassa virus replicon system to map other L protein sites that might be involved in this mechanism. Residues Phe-1979, Arg-2018, Phe-2071, Asp-2106, Trp-2173, Tyr-2179, Arg-2200, and Arg-2204 were important for viral mRNA synthesis but dispensable for genome replication. Thus, the C terminus of L protein is involved in the mRNA synthesis process, potentially by mediating cap binding.

SUBMITTER: Lehmann M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4135956 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature