Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factors Shape RNA Viruses Resistance in Plants

Abstract

Viruses are representative of a global threat to agricultural production. Genetic resistance is the preferred strategy for the control of viral infection and against loss of crop yield. Viral protein synthesis requires host cellular factors for translating their viral RNAs, and for regulating their replication and cell to cell systemic movement. Therefore, the viruses are dependent on cellular translation factors. Mutations in the gene encoding eIF4E and eIF4G or their isoforms, eIFiso4E, eIFiso4G and eIF2Bβ have been mapped as a source of plant potyvirus while other genus of plant virus recessive resistance genes in many species are originated from these loci. Some of other plant translation factors, such as eIF3, eIF4A-like helicases, eEF1A and eEF1B, which are required in interacting with viral RNAs and regulating various aspects of the infection cycle, have also been identified. Here, we summarized the mechanisms utilized by RNA viruses of eukaryotic plants and the essential roles of eIFs in virus infection. Moreover, we discussed the potential of eIFs as a target gene in the development of genetic resistance to viruses for crop improvement. This review highlighted newly revealed examples of abnormal translational strategies and provided insights into natural host resistance mechanisms that have been linked to 3′ cap-independent translational enhancer activity.