The Viral Replication Complex

Formation of a membrane-associated replication complex, composed of viral proteins and replicating RNA is a hallmark of all positive-strand RNA viruses investigated so far. Depending on the virus, replication might occur on altered membranes derived from the ER, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria or even lysosomes. A specific membrane alteration, named the membranous web, was identified as the site of RNA replication. Formation of the membranous web is induced by NS4B.