Figure 6.

Model of coronavirus life cycle including functions of replication organelle. Coronaviruses (CoVs) attach to and enter cells where viral and cellular membranes fuse to uncoat the genomic RNA. CoV induces the formation of replication organelles (ROs): zippered ER and associated spherules, as well as convoluted membranes, which currently have an unknown function; and DMVs which are the site of viral RNA synthesis. Through the current work we can conclude that viral RNA synthesis occurs inside DMVs (red arrow). A proportion of the viral RNA is trafficked into the cytoplasm, while some remains within the DMVs along with dsRNA formed during replication. Recently identified pores provide the means for exit of viral RNA from DMVs. New virions assemble and bud into the ERGIC, followed by release from the cell by exocytosis. Figure created with Biorender.com.