Flavivirus Virion Structure
Richard J. Kuhn
from: Molecular Virology and Control of Flaviviruses (Edited by: Pei-Yong Shi). Caister Academic Press, U.K. (2012)
Abstract
Flavivirus virions form in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with the recruitment of genome RNA, capsid protein, and the envelope (E) and precursor to the membrane proteins (prM). The nascent particles acquire a lipid bilayer as they bud into the ER lumen in an immature form. Glycosylation and subsequent processing of the particles occur as they proceed through the cellular secretory system. In the low pH that is encountered in the trans-Golgi network, cellular furin activates the particles by cleavage of prM into M. The particles are released from the cell in a mature and infectious form. The observations demonstrate the significant conformational and translational movements of the viral structural proteins during the virus life cycle and suggest the particles have substantial dynamic capabilities. These properties have been substantiated by analyses of antibody binding to virions and suggest novel targets for future therapeutic intervention strategies read more ...
