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A statistical-thermodynamic model of viral budding
Shelly Tzlil1, Markus Deserno, William M Gelbart
1Department of Physical Chemistry and The Fritz Haber Research Center, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel.
Biophysical Journal
|March 26, 2004
Summary
A new model explains viral nucleocapsid budding from cell membranes using statistical thermodynamics. Complete wrapping requires sufficient adhesion energy, and bud size depends on rim energy, leading to all-or-nothing envelopment.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Statistical Mechanics
- Virology
Background:
- Viral nucleocapsid budding is a critical step in virus replication.
- Understanding the physical forces governing membrane-budding is essential for antiviral drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a statistical thermodynamic model for viral nucleocapsid budding at the cell membrane.
- To investigate the roles of membrane bending energy, spike-mediated adhesion, and rim energy in the budding process.
Main Methods:
- A statistical thermodynamic model was developed for budding.
- The model incorporates bending energy, adhesion energy, and line energy.
- Equilibrium spike densities and bud population statistics were calculated.
Main Results:
- Complete viral nucleocapsid wrapping requires adhesion energy to overcome bending energy.
- Bud size distribution is influenced by rim energy, potentially causing all-or-nothing envelopment.
- Budding yield decreases at high nucleocapsid concentrations.
Conclusions:
- The model provides insights into the physical mechanisms of viral budding.
- Spike density and adhesion are key factors in successful viral envelopment.
- The findings could inform strategies to inhibit viral release.