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Influenza virus matrix protein is the major driving force in virus budding

P Gómez-Puertas1, C Albo, E Pérez-Pastrana

  • 1Centro Nacional de Biología Fundamental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda 28220, Madrid, Spain.

Journal of Virology
|November 23, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Influenza A virus assembly requires only the matrix (M1) protein, not ribonucleoproteins. M1 protein alone forms virus-like particles (VLPs) and tubular structures, revealing its essential role in viral morphogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Influenza A virus assembly is a complex process involving multiple viral proteins.
  • Understanding the specific roles of each polypeptide is crucial for comprehending viral morphogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the function of individual influenza A virus polypeptides in virus-like particle (VLP) formation and assembly.
  • To determine the minimal viral components necessary for VLP generation.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of VLPs in COS-1 cells using recombinant plasmids expressing viral structural proteins.
  • Biochemical analysis of VLPs via sucrose cushion centrifugation and immunoblotting.
  • Electron microscopy for visualizing VLP structure and intracellular accumulations.

Main Results:

  • The matrix (M1) protein is the sole essential viral component for VLP formation.
  • Viral ribonucleoproteins are not required for the assembly of virus particles.
  • M1 protein, when expressed alone, self-assembles into budding VLPs released into the medium.
  • Recombinant M1 protein accumulates intracellularly, forming tubular structures.

Conclusions:

  • The matrix (M1) protein plays a central and essential role in influenza A virus particle assembly.
  • Influenza A virus morphogenesis can occur independently of viral ribonucleoproteins.
  • M1 protein's ability to form structures in isolation highlights its critical function in viral assembly.

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