Thogoto and Dhori virus replication is blocked by inhibitors of cellular polymerase II activity but does not cause shutoff of host cell protein synthesis.

Tick-transmitted Thogoto and Dhori viruses share structural and genetic properties with the influenza viruses. Here, we compare different steps of their replication cycle in mammalian cells in comparison with influenza A virus. Viral antigens of both viruses accumulated in the nuclei of infected cells, suggesting a nuclear phase of viral replication. Furthermore, as observed with influenza viruses, transcription of Thogoto and Dhori viruses was inhibited by alpha-amanitin and actinomycin D, suggesting a dependence of viral transcription on cellular RNA polymerase II activity. In contrast to influenza viruses, Thogoto and Dhori virus infection did not lead to down-regulation of cellular protein synthesis indicating marked differences regarding the fate of infected cells.