Targeting TFIIH to inhibit host cell transcription by Rift Valley Fever Virus.

In the February 20 issue of Cell, report that Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) targets cellular transcriptional apparatus to inhibit RNA polymerase II-mediated transcription. Unlike polio and vesicular stomatitis viruses, both of which target the TATA binding protein (TBP), RVFV appears to target the basal transcription factor THIIH to induce shut-off of host cell transcription.