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Two determinants in the capsid of a persistent type 3 poliovirus exert different effects on mutant virus uncoating

Gillian Duncan1, Florence Colbère-Garapin1

  • 1Unité de Neurovirologie et R égén ération du Système Nerveux, Institut Pasteur, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris cedex 15, France1.

Insights

Mutant polioviruses (PV) can cause persistent infections. A single mutation (1N290) in the PV-3 capsid can induce unique conformational changes, leading to a 147S form upon host cell interaction, contributing to viral persistence.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Mutant polioviruses (PV) are known to establish persistent infections in HEp-2c cells.
  • Two specific amino acid substitutions (VP213 and VP1(290)) in the type 3 poliovirus (PV-3) capsid confer a persistent phenotype to an otherwise lytic virus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate poliovirus (PV) decapsidation mechanisms.
  • To determine the independent effects of two specific viral capsid determinants (VP213 and VP1(290)) on viral persistence and capsid conformation.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of mutant poliovirus (PV) decapsidation.
  • Investigation of capsid conformational changes using sedimentation coefficient analysis.
  • Assessment of individual determinant effects (1N290 and 2L13) on PV-host cell interactions.

Main Results:

  • A double mutant (T7L+2L(13)1N(290)) exhibits unique capsid conformational changes, altering its sedimentation coefficient from 160S to 147S upon infection.
  • The 147S form is also generated by a mutant with only the 1N290 determinant, indicating its role in this conformational change.
  • The 147S form is not due to inherent capsid instability but arises from specific PV-host cell interactions.
  • The 2L13 determinant also influences receptor-induced conformational changes, but distinct from the 1N290 effect.

Conclusions:

  • The 1N290 mutation is a key determinant for inducing the 147S capsid conformation in poliovirus (PV).
  • This specific conformational change is dependent on PV-host cell interactions, not intrinsic capsid instability.
  • Understanding these mutations and their effects on capsid conformation provides insights into the mechanisms of poliovirus (PV) persistence.

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