Figure 6. Schematic model of 3D^pol-mediated inhibition of the cellular splicing by targeting Prp8 in the nucleus.

3D^pol primarily performs viral RNA replication in the host cytoplasm, but partially 3D^pol also enters the nucleus and interacts with the core splicing factor Prp8, which interferes with the function of Prp8 in the C1-complex. The interference of Prp8 function inhibits the second step of the splicing process and results in the accumulation of the lariat form and a reduction in mRNA synthesis.