Poliovirus

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translated by the host cell. On entry the virus hijacks the cell's translation machinery; causing inhibition of cellular protein synthesis in favor of virus�specific protein production. Unlike the host cell's mRNAs the 5' end of poliovirus RNA is extremely long�over 700 nucleotides�and is highly structured. This region of the viral genome is called internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and it directs translation of the viral RNA. Genetic mutations in this region prevent viral protein production.[18][19][20]

Poliovirus mRNA is translated as one long polypeptide. This polypeptide is then auto-cleaved by internal proteases into approximately 10 individual viral proteins, including:[4][17]

The genomic structure of poliovirus type 1[8] (see text or reference for further details).3Dpol, an RNA dependent RNA polymerase whose function is to copy and multiply the viral RNA genome.

2Apro and 3Cpro/3CDpro, proteases which cleave the viral polypeptide.

VPg (3B), a small protein that ...

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coxsackie A viruses, to CD155; leading to a change in pathogenicity, and allowing the virus to infect nervous tissue.

There are three serotypes of poliovirus, PV1, PV2 , and PV3; each with a slightly different capsid protein. Capsid proteins define cellular receptor specificity and virus antigenicity. PV1 is the most common form encountered in nature, however all three forms are extremely infectious.[5] Wild polioviruses can be found in approximately 10 countries. PV1 is highly localized to regions in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Egypt, but following outbreaks of poliomeyletis in 2003�2004 it remains widespread in West and Central Africa. Wild poliovirus type 2 has probably been ...

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