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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.

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Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Advancing High-Resolution Imaging of Virus Assemblies in Liquid and Ice

Advancing High-Resolution Imaging of Virus Assemblies in Liquid and Ice

Published on: July 20, 2022

Programmable icosahedral shell system for virus trapping.

Christian Sigl¹, Elena M Willner¹, Wouter Engelen¹

¹Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

Nature Materials

|June 15, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Scientists developed a programmable DNA-based platform to create novel antiviral shells. These icosahedral structures can trap viruses and inhibit infection, offering a new strategy against global health threats.

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Last Updated: Nov 2, 2025

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Area of Science:

Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Virology

Background:

Broad-spectrum antiviral platforms are crucial for global public health but remain largely unavailable.
Existing antiviral strategies often lack broad applicability or efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a programmable platform for self-assembling icosahedral shells with viral trapping and antiviral properties.
To demonstrate the modularity and scalability of these DNA-based nanostructures.

Main Methods:

Utilized programmable triangular DNA building blocks for self-assembly into icosahedral shells.
Engineered shells with user-defined geometries, apertures, and functionalized interiors.
Tested virus-trapping capabilities with hepatitis B virus (HBV) core particles and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs).

Main Results:

Achieved high-yield assembly of shells with molecular masses from 43 to 925 MDa and cavity diameters up to 280 nm.
Successfully encapsulated HBV core particles and AAVs within the functionalized shells.
Demonstrated inhibition of HBV core-surface interactions and neutralization of infectious AAVs in vitro.

Conclusions:

The programmable DNA icosahedral shells represent a versatile platform for antiviral applications.
This technology offers a novel approach for targeted viral containment and neutralization.
The modular design allows for customization against various viral threats.