The emerging role of m5C modification in viral infection

5-Methylcytosine (m⁵C) modification is a dynamic and reversible post-transcriptional process that has garnered significant attention due to its regulatory role in viral infections and host innate immune responses. Advances in m⁵C detection technologies have spurred research into its influence on viral infection pathways. Recent studies indicate that m⁵C modification can affect viral infections by modulating innate immune signaling pathways. Furthermore, viruses have developed strategies to exploit m⁵C modification for evading host immunity. Despite these findings, the exact regulatory mechanisms of m⁵C during viral infections and its impact on host immunity remain incompletely understood. Investigating m⁵C modifications and the enzymes associated with these changes may provide deeper insights into the epigenetic underpinnings of viral infections. This review aims to review the dual roles of m⁵C in various viral infections, emphasizing its potential as a target for antiviral interventions, given its pivotal role across numerous viruses.