Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Coronaviruses

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on the biochemistry and molecular biology of coronaviruses, which are RNA viruses responsible for global health crises like SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 (the cause of COVID-19).   Understanding their molecular mechanisms is essential for developing effective therapies and preventive measures.

We invite original research articles and comprehensive reviews exploring aspects such as viral replication, transcription, protein synthesis, assembly and egress pathways, viral protein structure and function, genome organization, host–virus interactions, and drug development. Studies employing advanced techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, next-generation sequencing, proteomics, computational modeling, and innovative in vitro and in vivo approaches are also highly valued. Topics of interest include host immune responses, immune evasion strategies, the roles of non-structural and accessory proteins in pathogenesis, the emergence of new variants, and the identification of novel antiviral targets. Research focusing on antiviral therapies, including drugs and vaccines, and diagnostic tools grounded in molecular insights is also welcome.

By disseminating cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration among scientists dedicated to unraveling the molecular complexities of coronaviruses, this Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of coronaviruses.   We hope to support global efforts to manage and prevent coronavirus-related health challenges, paving the way for more effective diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and preventive strategies to safeguard global health.

Dr. Shu-Qun Liu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.