N6-methyladenosine modification of viral RNA and its role during the recognition process of RIG-I-like receptors

Abstract

N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is the most abundant RNA chemical modification in eukaryotes and is also found in the RNAs of many viruses. In recent years, m⁶A RNA modification has been reported to have a role not only in the replication of numerous viruses but also in the innate immune escape process. In this review, we describe the viruses that contain m⁶A in their genomes or messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and summarize the effects of m⁶A on the replication of different viruses. We also discuss how m⁶A modification helps viral RNAs escape recognition by exogenous RNA sensors, such as retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), during viral invasion. Overall, the goal of our review is to summarize how m⁶A regulates viral replication and facilitates innate immune escape. Furthermore, we elaborate on the potential of m⁶A as a novel antiviral target.

Keywords: RIG-I-like receptors; innate immune escape; m6A; replication; viruses.