How cells wrap around virus-like particles using extracellular filamentous protein structures

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Biophysics
• Computational modeling

Background:

• Endocytosis is a primary mechanism for cellular uptake of nanoparticles, including viruses.
• Previous research primarily focused on nanoparticle size and shape, neglecting surface structures.
• Extracellular vimentin and coronavirus structures inspired the investigation of filamentous surface components.

Approach:

• A computational model was developed to simulate endocytosis with filamentous protein structures on both cell and virus surfaces.
• The study analyzed the impact of these structures on viral wrapping dynamics.
• Mechanical parameters like extracellular component density and surface bending rigidity were investigated.

Key Points:

• Cells with an optimal density of filamentous extracellular components (ECCs) exhibit faster viral uptake.
• Efficient, fold-like wrapping of the virus by the cell surface occurs at optimal ECC density.
• Cell surface bending rigidity promotes folding, while altering ECC stiffness or virus spike properties can lead to crumple-like wrapping.

Conclusions:

• The density and mechanical properties of filamentous extracellular components significantly influence viral endocytosis efficiency.
• Optimal ECCs facilitate faster and more efficient viral wrapping through surface folding.
• Findings have implications for understanding virus evolution and the role of the cellular microenvironment in infection.