In silico analysis reveals that several tomato microRNA/microRNA∗ sequences exhibit propensity to bind to tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) associated genomes and most of their encoded open reading frames (ORFs)

► Host-pathogen interactions are also controlled by hosts' RNAi responses, including MicroRNAs. ► Using bioinformatics approach, we identified set of microRNAs that exhibit propensity to bind either viral genomic sequences or their encoded Open Reading Frames (ORFs) with tight complementarity. ► Besides, it was observed that certain miR* sequences could also potentially target viral transcripts, highlighting novel role of miR* molecules in plant defense responses. ► These results open new avenues in our understanding on intricate pathogen responsive mechanisms involving miR and miR* sequences.