The roles of post-translational modifications in the pathogenesis of RNA viruses: allies or adversaries?

Infectious diseases continue to pose major threats to global public health, owing to the persistent emergence of novel and re-emerging viruses. However, the intricate mechanisms governing virus-host interactions remain incompletely understood. Precise regulation of protein function is critical during viral infection, and post-translational modifications (PTMs), as key modulators of protein activity, are extensively exploited by viruses at all stages of their life cycle. Upon entry into host cells, viruses frequently hijack host PTMs to reprogram cellular metabolism and signaling, thereby shaping infection outcomes. This review highlights recent advances in 10 major PTM types implicated in RNA virus infections, emphasizing their multifaceted roles across the viral life cycle. By integrating the latest proteomics findings, it aims to provide deeper insight into PTMs as potential targets for antiviral strategies and to explore their promise in treating virus-associated diseases.