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The Astrovirus Capsid: A Review.
Carlos F Arias1, Rebecca M DuBois2
1Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico. arias@ibt.unam.mx.
Viruses
|January 21, 2017
Summary
Astrovirus capsid protein (CP) is key to viral infection, controlling attachment, entry, and genome release. Recent studies reveal its structure and function, advancing understanding of the astrovirus life cycle.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Structural Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Astroviruses are enteric viruses infecting mammals and birds.
- They possess a nonenveloped, icosahedral structure with a positive-sense RNA genome.
- The capsid protein (CP) is crucial for viral structure, infectivity, and host interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the astrovirus capsid protein (CP).
- To highlight recent structural, biochemical, and virological findings.
- To elucidate the CP's role in the astrovirus life cycle.
Main Methods:
- Review of structural studies (e.g., X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM).
- Analysis of biochemical assays investigating CP processing and function.
- Integration of virological data on CP-mediated infection steps.
Main Results:
- The astrovirus CP undergoes significant proteolytic maturation.
- Mature CP dictates virus attachment, endocytosis, and genome release.
- CP interacts with host antibodies and modulates complement system activation.
Conclusions:
- The astrovirus CP is a multifunctional viral component essential for infection.
- Understanding CP structure-function relationships is vital for antiviral strategies.
- Continued research on CP will further illuminate astrovirus pathogenesis.
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