Journal of Research in Microbiology and Immunology ISSN: 3108-0952 (Online)

Authors: Dr. Priya Verma, Dr. Aditya Rao

ABSTRACT: RNA viruses are characterized by high mutation rates and remarkable adaptability, posing significant challenges to host immune defenses and vaccine development. Their evolution is driven by rapid genetic changes, recombination, and selection pressures imposed by the host immune system, enabling the emergence of immune escape variants. This paper reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying RNA virus evolution, including replication errors, reassortment, and recombination, and explores how these processes contribute to immune evasion. It also discusses antigenic drift and shift, modulation of innate and adaptive immunity, and viral strategies such as glycan shielding, epitope masking, and interference with host signaling pathways. The implications of these mechanisms for vaccine design, antiviral therapy, and epidemic control are analyzed. Understanding RNA virus evolution and immune escape is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate viral infections and improve global public health.

KEYWORDS: RNA virus, immune escape, evolution, antigenic drift, recombination, viral adaptation, vaccine evasion.