Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

In Vitro Disassembly of Influenza A Virus Capsids by Gradient Centrifugation
Published on: March 27, 2016
The structural basis of paramyxovirus invasion
Charles J Russell1, Laura E Luque
1Department of Infectious Diseases, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105-2794, USA. charles.russell@stjude.org
Abstract:
To deliver their genetic material into host cells, enveloped viruses have surface glycoproteins that actively cause the fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. Recently determined X-ray crystal structures of the paramyxovirus fusion (F) protein in its pre-fusion and post-fusion conformations reveal the dramatic structural transformation that this protein undergoes while causing membrane fusion. Conformational changes in key regions of the F protein suggest the mechanism by which the F protein is activated and refolds.
Related Concept Videos
Viral Structure
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
Introduction to Virus
Coronavirus
What are Viruses?
Influenza

