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Updated: May 10, 2026

Simple and Robust in vivo and in vitro Approach for Studying Virus Assembly
Published on: March 1, 2012
Virus maturation
Laura R Delgui1, José F Rodríguez
1Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología Mendoza (IHEM), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Instituto de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina.
Virus assembly creates immature particles; maturation mechanisms transform these into infectious agents. This review details essential viral maturation processes for generating infectious virions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Virus particle formation involves complex molecular events.
- Immature virus particles are initially non-infectious.
- Maturation is crucial for viral infectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key viral maturation mechanisms.
- To explain the generation of infectious virions.
- To cover diverse virus types.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of viral assembly and maturation.
- Analysis of structural transitions in virus particles.
- Examination of biochemical modifications during maturation.
Main Results:
- Identified diverse maturation strategies across viruses.
- Detailed structural and biochemical changes.
- Highlighted the transition from precursor to infectious particles.
Conclusions:
- Viral maturation is a critical, complex final step in particle production.
- Understanding these mechanisms is key to antiviral strategies.
- Maturation pathways vary significantly among different viruses.
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