RNA-dependent RNA polymerases(RdRp)are one ofthe most versatile enzymes of RNA viruses that are vital for genome replication as well as for carrying out transcription. They have such a name due to their function where they use RNA template to synthesize mRNA which will later be translated into proteins and spread virus among the host. The core structural features of these polymerases are conserved, however, there is some divergence among their sequences. The structure of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerases resemblesa cupped right hand which also consists of fingers, palm and thumb subdomains. In most cases catalysis involves several conserved aspartate residues together with divalent metal ions.
These RdRps are such a great target for antiviral drugs because they are in charge of viral genome replication as well as viral genome transcription, meaning these proteins allow viruses to grow in number and spread to other cells or parts of the body. Therefore,if there are drugs that target these enzymes, viruses would not be able to survive inside a host. The Oral polio vaccine develops immunity in the person’s gut which then protects the person from the virus. And the inactivated polio vaccine is an injectable weakened version of the virus which teaches the body how to fight against this disease and builds protection in in the blood and helps boost immunity.
The poliovirus polymerase is a 53kDa polymerase which together with other host proteins carries out viral RNA replication on the host cell cytoplasm. The poliovirus RdRp’s shape is common to that of other polymerases, with a palm subdomain which contains a core structure very similar to other polymerases, and different structures of the fingers and thumb from those of other polymerases.
