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Viral Structure

Viral Structure

Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...

Antibody Structure

Antibody Structure

Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...

Antibody Structure

Antibody Structure

Overview
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...

Protein Complex Assembly

Protein Complex Assembly

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Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...

Glycocalyx and its Functions

Glycocalyx and its Functions

The glycocalyx is a carbohydrate-rich, fuzzy-appearing layer on the outer surface of the cell membrane. It is highly hydrophilic, because of this it attracts large amounts of water to the cell's surface. This aids the cell's interaction with the watery environment and also helps it to obtain substances dissolved in the water. It is also important for cell identification, self/non-self determination, and embryonic development and is used in cell-to-cell attachments to form tissues.
Components of...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Conformational Evaluation of HIV-1 Trimeric Envelope Glycoproteins Using a Cell-based ELISA Assay

Conformational Evaluation of HIV-1 Trimeric Envelope Glycoproteins Using a Cell-based ELISA Assay

Published on: September 14, 2014

HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein structure.

Alan Merk¹, Sriram Subramaniam

¹Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Current Opinion in Structural Biology

|April 23, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

New imaging techniques reveal the structure of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein trimer. These findings advance HIV-1 vaccine development by clarifying the structure and function of this critical viral component.

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Last Updated: May 12, 2026

Conformational Evaluation of HIV-1 Trimeric Envelope Glycoproteins Using a Cell-based ELISA Assay

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Published on: September 14, 2014

Determination of Molecular Structures of HIV Envelope Glycoproteins using Cryo-Electron Tomography and Automated Sub-tomogram Averaging

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Published on: December 1, 2011

Imaging of HIV-1 Envelope-induced Virological Synapse and Signaling on Synthetic Lipid Bilayers

Imaging of HIV-1 Envelope-induced Virological Synapse and Signaling on Synthetic Lipid Bilayers

Published on: March 8, 2012

Area of Science:

Structural biology
Virology
Vaccine development

Background:

The trimeric envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1 (gp120/gp41) is a key target for vaccine development.
Previous studies determined the structures of monomeric gp120 and gp41 subunits using X-ray crystallography.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advancements in understanding the structure and function of the trimeric HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein.
To highlight new insights from cryo-electron tomography and microscopy studies.

Main Methods:

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) of intact HIV-1 viruses displaying the gp120/gp41 trimer.
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) of purified, soluble ectodomain of the trimer.

Main Results:

New structural insights into the trimeric HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein complex.
Integration of data from cryo-ET and cryo-EM provides a more comprehensive understanding.

Conclusions:

Advancements in imaging technologies are crucial for elucidating HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein structure.
Understanding the trimer's structure is vital for designing effective HIV-1 vaccines.