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The three-dimensional structure of Mimivirus

Thomas Klose1, Yurii G Kuznetsov, Chuan Xiao

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1971, USA.

Intervirology
|June 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Mimivirus, the largest known virus, has a complex structure including outer fibers, an icosahedral capsid, and an internal membrane. A unique starfish-like structure aids in host infection.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Structural Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Mimivirus is the largest known virus and the type species of the Mimiviridae family.
  • Understanding its structure is key to comprehending its biological functions and interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the detailed three-dimensional structure of the Mimivirus virion.
  • To characterize the unique features of Mimivirus relevant to its infectivity.

Main Methods:

  • Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was employed to determine the overall virion structure.
  • Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provided high-resolution surface details.
  • Integrated structural analysis combined data from both techniques.

Main Results:

  • The 0.75-microm diameter Mimivirus virion features an outer layer of dense fibers.
  • Beneath the fibers lies an icosahedral capsid enclosing an internal membrane sac.
  • A distinctive starfish-like structure at a fivefold vertex, crucial for host infection, was resolved in greater detail.

Conclusions:

  • The detailed structure of Mimivirus reveals a complex organization facilitating its biological role.
  • The identified structural components, particularly the starfish-like vertex, are critical for Mimivirus pathogenesis.
  • Further structural studies will advance our understanding of giant viruses.

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