The Incoming Influenza Genome Assembles a Host RBP Network that Orchestrates Viral RNA Synthesis.

ABSTRACT: Influenza A virus (IAV) replication initiates within minutes of entry, yet the earliest host determinants acting on the incoming viral genome remain undefined. Here, using VIR-CLASP to capture protein interactions with progenitor vRNA prior to any detectable viral transcription, we map the first host-viral RNA interface and identify ~700 human RNA binding proteins (RBPs) proactively recruited by the negative-sense genome. These factors are enriched in pathways essential for RNA metabolism, chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, and nuclear condensate organization, revealing that the vRNA engages a far broader host network than previously appreciated. Functional interrogation of top candidates demonstrates that GMPS, TOP2A, SRRM2, and SPEN serve as critical proviral factors opera

SUBMITTER: Clarke S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12710769 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature