Signal sequences in the viral genome regulate the generation of copy-back defective viral genomes

We developed VODKA (Viral Opensource DVG Key Algorithm) to identify cbDVGs from RNA-Seq data from infected samples and used these DVG sequences to identify signals that regulate cbDVG generation. We applied VODKA to datasets from RSV-positive patients. VODKA identified common cbDVGs across multiple samples in both patients, and predicted specific genomic loci that mediate cbDVG formation. Total RNA was extracted from 2 RSV positive pediatric samples. RNAs were then used for preparation for the library used in RNA-seq to generate this dataset.