Picornavirus 3C – a protease ensuring virus replication and subverting host responses

ABSTRACT The protease 3C is encoded by all known picornaviruses, and the structural features related to its RNA-binding activities are conserved; these contribute cleavage of viral polyproteins assembly RNA replication complex during virus replication. Furthermore, performs functions in host cell through interaction with proteins. For instance, has been shown selectively ‘hijack’ factors involved gene expression, promoting picornavirus replication, inactivate key innate immunity signaling pathways, inhibiting production interferon inflammatory cytokines. Importantly, maintains infection subtly subverting death modifying critical molecules organelles. This Review focuses on molecular mechanisms which mediates physiological processes virus–host interaction, thus highlighting picornavirus-mediated pathogenesis caused 3C.