Viral transcription strategies vary significantly depending on the nature of the viral genome and the site of transcription within the host cell. A common challenge for all viruses is to circumvent host defense mechanisms while simultaneously exploiting host cellular machinery to facilitate their own transcription. DNA viruses and retroviruses often hijack the host’s RNA polymerase II (Pol II), while RNA viruses typically encode their own RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Through these diverse mechanisms, viruses effectively manipulate host transcription, translation, and immune responses, thereby evading immune surveillance and completing their replication cycle. This article systematically reviews the transcription strategies employed by major DNA and RNA virus families, providing insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of viral transcriptional regulation mechanisms.
The work entitled “Mechanistic insights into viral−host interactions during transcription” was published in Biophysics Reports (ahead of print in 2026).
DOI: 10.52601/bpr.2026.250066