FIGURE 8.

Proposed mechanism for the downregulation of virus-like RNA synthesis by SFTSV NSs within the minigenome reporter system. SFTSV NSs inhibit virus-like RNA synthesis by blocking the N–RNA interaction through sequestering N into inclusion bodies within minigenome reporter systems. As shown in (A), initial genome virus-like RNA (vRNA) is generated by pol I transcription using cDNA as templates. After encapsidation by N, the coated nascent vRNA can assemble with RdRp to form vRNP. Then, mRNA and progeny cRNA and vRNA are generated by transcription and replication, respectively. However, overexpressed NSs block the encapsidation of viral RNAs by competing with nascent RNA to interact with N (B). This, downregulates the synthesis of viral RNA, thus leading to decreased levels of the reporter protein.