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Updated: Nov 16, 2025
Method for Measurement of Viral Fusion Kinetics at the Single Particle Level
Published on: September 7, 2009
Dengue fusion peptide in Langmuir monolayers: A binding parameter study
Thaís F Schmidt1, Karin A Riske2, Luciano Caseli3
1Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Biophysics Department, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Chemistry Department, Diadema, SP, Brazil; CUO-Recherche, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval and Département d'ophtalmologie, Faculté de médecine, and Regroupement stratégique PROTEO, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada.
Abstract:
Membrane fusion is known to be the primary mechanism of entry of flaviviruses into host cells. Several studies reported the investigation of the membrane fusion mechanism mediated by the fusion peptide, a component of the membrane protein surrounding the flaviviruses. In this study, we investigated the interaction of Dengue fusion peptide (FLAg) with Langmuir monolayers to uncover the role of membrane charges and organization in its membrane binding. Binding parameters of FLAg were obtained by measuring its adsorption onto Langmuir monolayers of different types of individual lipids, as well as their mixtures. Specific peptide binding was observed in the presence of charged lipid monolayers at different pHs, revealing that the lipid composition of the membrane modulates peptide interaction, and the preference of the peptide for negatively charged lipids.
Insights
Dengue fusion peptide (FLAg) interacts with host cell membranes. This study shows that negatively charged lipids in the membrane are preferred by FLAg, influencing viral entry.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Biophysics
- Membrane Biology
Background:
- Flavivirus entry into host cells primarily occurs through membrane fusion.
- The fusion peptide, part of the viral membrane protein, mediates this fusion process.
- Understanding peptide-membrane interactions is crucial for flavivirus research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction of Dengue fusion peptide (FLAg) with lipid monolayers.
- To determine the role of membrane charge and organization in FLAg binding.
- To uncover how lipid composition affects viral peptide interaction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Langmuir monolayers composed of various individual lipids and mixtures.
- Measured adsorption parameters of FLAg onto these lipid monolayers.
- Analyzed peptide binding across different pH conditions.
Main Results:
- Observed specific binding of FLAg to charged lipid monolayers.
- Demonstrated that membrane lipid composition modulates FLAg interaction.
- Identified a preference of FLAg for negatively charged lipids.
Conclusions:
- Membrane charge and lipid composition are critical factors in Dengue fusion peptide binding.
- FLAg's interaction with host cell membranes is influenced by the presence of negatively charged lipids.
- This finding provides insights into flavivirus entry mechanisms.
