Kunjin RNA replication and applications ofKunjin replicons

Abstract

The Kunjin virus (KUNV) has provided a useful laboratory model for Flavivirus RNA replication. The synthesis of progeny RNA(+) strands occurs via asymmetric and semiconservative replication on a template of recycling double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) or replicative form (RF). Kinetics of viral RNA synthesis indicated a cycle period of about 15 min during which, on average, a single nascent RNA(+) strand displaces the preexisting RNA(+) strand in the replicative intermediate. Data on the composition of the replication complex (RC) in KUNV-infected cells were obtained from several sources, including analyses of the partially-purified still active RC, immunogold labeling of cryosections using monospe..