CVB translation: lessons from the polioviruses

Abstract

Our understanding of coxsackie B virus translation and replication has benefited greatly from half a century of research on the closely related polioviruses. Like poliovirus, coxsackievirus gene expression is controlled largely at the translation level and coxsackievirus infection results in profound changes in the profile of mRNAs with access to the protein synthesis machinery of the host cell. This review chronicles the advances in understanding translational control by the enteroviruses, primarily in poliovirus and clarified by related viruses, and highlights areas where coxsackievirus conforms to or differs from the aggregate model. Basic IRES structure and function, proteins involved in cap-dependent and viral translation, viral modification of translation factors to achieve host translation shutoff and promotion of viral translation are discussed. The translational bases for neurovirulent phenotypes and tissue specificity are also addressed.