EC Microbiology

In the RNA genome of influenza viruses and coronaviruses, a novel genes were identified, that, unlike the known canonical genes in these viruses, were encoded in the opposite polarity: positive in influenza virus and negative in coronaviruses (so-called ambipolar genes). The novel ambipolar genes appear to be localized in the genome in the area of canonical genes, the so-called stacking arrangement. The discovery of new viral genes implies the existence of several alternative pathways (strategies) in the realization of the viral genome in a single virus. This variety of strategies gives the virus the ability, like a chameleon, to change the structure of the virion genome and its envelope, consisting of proteins - products of the ambisense genes and/or mosaic with canonical proteins. Structural chameleon-like variants of the virus can arise depending on the biochemical composition of the virus reproduction environment in various organs of the host organism, increasing the adaptive potential and ability of the virus to evade the host immune defense, causing various forms of disease pathogenesis, including the development of latent and persistent forms of the pathological process. The existence of stealth ambipolar viruses is still hidden from researchers, like the “dark side of the moon”. Their identification will make it possible to discover novel forms of viral diseases and develop new types of drugs and vaccines.

Keywords: Viruses; Genome Strategy; Genome Polarity; Ambisense Genes; Influenza; Covid-2019

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