Wenying Gao

Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewed Research Article ? This is an uncorrected proof. Citation: Zhang Q, Gao Y, Gao W, Zhang X, Xu S, Zhang W (2026) RNF31 restricts EV-A71 replication through innate immune activation and VP4 degradation, and is antagonized by viral 3C proteases. PLoS Pathog 22(7): e1014415.

eLife Assessment This important work advances our understanding of how the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp16 protein is regulated by host E3 ligases to promote viral mRNA capping. Support for the overall claims in the revised manuscript is convincing . This work will be of interest to those working in host-viral interactions and the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in viral replication.

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), remains a global public health threat with considerable economic consequences. The non-structural protein 16 (nsp16), in complex with nsp10, facilitates the final viral mRNA capping step through its 2′-O-methylase activity, helping the virus to evade host immunity and prevent mRNA degradation. However, nsp16 regulation by host factors remains poorly understood.