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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.

Protein Complex Assembly

Protein Complex Assembly

Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types. Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...

Introduction to Virus

Introduction to Virus

Viruses are unique biological entities that blur the boundary between living and non-living systems. Although they lack cellular structure and metabolic processes, they can exhibit characteristics of life when infecting a host. Their defining feature is a nucleic acid core, composed of either DNA or RNA, encapsulated within a protein coat called a capsid. This simple structure allows them to invade host cells and use their machinery for replication efficiently.Viral Structure and...

DNA Packaging

DNA Packaging

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...

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Preparation of Viral DNA from Nucleocapsids

Preparation of Viral DNA from Nucleocapsids

Published on: August 16, 2011

Herpesvirus Capsid Assembly and DNA Packaging.

Jason D Heming¹, James F Conway², Fred L Homa³

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA.

Advances in Anatomy, Embryology, and Cell Biology

|May 22, 2017

Summary

This review summarizes advances in understanding the Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) capsid structure and the seven key DNA packaging proteins. It details their roles in viral genome packaging and virion assembly during infection.

Keywords:

CVSC Capsid Cryo-Electron Microscopy DNA Packaging HSV-1 Herpesvirus PRV Structure Triplex

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Last Updated: Mar 2, 2026

Preparation of Viral DNA from Nucleocapsids

Preparation of Viral DNA from Nucleocapsids

Published on: August 16, 2011

Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins

Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins

Published on: August 31, 2017

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Published on: July 27, 2021

Area of Science:

Virology
Structural Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) causes diverse pathologies, from cold sores to encephalitis.
HSV-1 infection involves regulated expression of over 80 viral proteins for replication and virion assembly.
The HSV-1 virion comprises an envelope, tegument, and an icosahedral capsid containing the viral DNA genome.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent advances in the structural understanding of the HSV-1 virion capsid.
To elucidate the function of the seven essential viral DNA packaging proteins.
To describe the interactions between these packaging proteins and the capsid shell.

Main Methods:

Biochemical techniques
Genetic analyses
Structural biology methods

Main Results:

The HSV-1 capsid is composed of four structural proteins: VP5, VP19C, VP23, and VP26.
The pUL6 portal complex and the CVSC (pUL17, pUL25, pUL36) are crucial for capsid vertices.
Seven viral proteins encoded by UL6, UL15, UL17, UL25, UL28, UL32, and UL33 are required for viral DNA cleavage and packaging.

Conclusions:

Significant progress has been made in understanding HSV-1 capsid structure and DNA packaging protein functions.
These proteins interact with each other and the capsid shell to facilitate genome packaging.
Further research continues to refine our knowledge of HSV-1 assembly and infection mechanisms.