Open questions in enterovirus uncoating

Enterovirus uncoating, the events leading to the release of the viral genome into the cytoplasm, remains a poorly understood process. This review discusses two competing models: the "genome translocation model," where viral proteins form a pore for RNA passage into the cytosol, and the "particle escape model," where the entire virion crosses the endosomal membrane before uncoating. We discuss the combination of structural biology, in vitro reconstitution, and cellular assays required to definitively resolve this long-standing mystery.