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Updated: Dec 23, 2025
12:38
Structure of HIV-1 Capsid Assemblies by Cryo-electron Microscopy and Iterative Helical Real-space Reconstruction
Published on: August 9, 2011
17.7K
Shape selection and mis-assembly in viral capsid formation by elastic frustration
Carlos I Mendoza1, David Reguera2,3
1Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México, Mexico.
Elife
|April 22, 2020
Summary
Virus self-assembly into closed protein shells (capsids) can fail, forming incomplete structures. Our study reveals conditions for successful viral capsid assembly and suggests ways to block viral infections by disrupting this process.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Structural Biology
- Virology
Background:
- Virus replication relies on the assembly of closed protein shells (capsids).
- Self-assembly processes are governed by competing energetic factors, including binding energy, edge energy, and elastic stress.
- Formation of incomplete structures like open caps or cylindrical shells can impede viral replication and biotechnological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the conditions governing viral capsid self-assembly.
- To understand the significance of incomplete structures in empty virus assembly.
- To identify strategies for controlling capsid formation for therapeutic or biotechnological purposes.
Main Methods:
- Application of elasticity theory.
- Utilizing coarse-grained simulations.
- Development of a universal phase diagram for capsid assembly.
Main Results:
- Identified critical conditions for successful and failed capsid assembly.
- Demonstrated that highly mechanically resistant viruses cannot self-assemble into spherical structures directly.
- Established a universal phase diagram predicting assembly outcomes based on physical parameters.
Conclusions:
- Capsid assembly is sensitive to mechanical resistance and curvature.
- A maturation step is likely necessary for the formation of complete viral shells.
- Inducing mis-assembly presents a potential strategy to inhibit viral infections.
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