N 6-methyladenosine modification—a key player in viral infection

Abstract

N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a dynamic, reversible process and is the most prevalent internal modification of RNA. This modification is regulated by three protein groups: methyltransferases (“writers”), demethylases (“erasers”), and m6A-binding proteins (“readers”). m6A modification and related enzymes could represent an optimal strategy to deepen the epigenetic mechanism. Numerous reports have suggested that aberrant modifications of m6A lead to aberrant expression of important viral genes. Here, we review the role of m6A modifications in viral replication and virus–host interactions. In particular, we focus on DNA and RNA viruses associated with human diseases, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). These findings will contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms of virus–host interactions and the design of future therapeutic targets for treatment of tumors associated with viral infections.