More than simple vectors of genetic information, flaviviral RNAs have emerged as critical regulators of the virus life cycle. Viral RNAs regulate interactions with viral and cellular proteins in both, mosquito and mammalian hosts to ultimately influence processes as diverse as RNA replication, translation, packaging or pathogenicity. In this chapter, we will review the current knowledge of the role of sequence and structures in the flaviviral RNA in viral propagation and interaction with the host cell. We will also cover the increasing body of evidence linking viral non-coding RNAs with pathogenicity, host immunity and epidemic potential.
Keywords: Flavivirus; Pathogenesis; RNA; Replication; Structures.