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A Molecular and Structural Perspective on Bluetongue Virus Entry and Assembly
Polly Roy1,2
1Institute for Translational Virology and Innovation, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Bluetongue virus (BTV) entry involves pH-dependent protein changes and pore formation. Genome assembly relies on RNA-RNA interactions and viral proteins for efficient replication and inclusion body formation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Structural Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Bluetongue virus (BTV) is a significant livestock pathogen impacting global trade.
- BTV is a non-enveloped virus with a double-capsid structure and a 10-segment double-stranded RNA genome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular and structural mechanisms of BTV entry and assembly.
- To understand the role of viral proteins and RNA segments in BTV replication.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of viral protein interactions and structural changes.
- Analysis of RNA packaging and genome assortment mechanisms.
- Investigation of inclusion body formation via liquid-liquid phase separation.
Main Results:
- BTV entry is a stepwise, pH-dependent process involving VP2 and VP5.
- VP5 forms a membrane-penetrating pore in late endosomes, releasing the viral core.
- Genome assembly involves an RNA-RNA interaction network and requires VP6, VP3, and NS2 for efficient packaging and inclusion body formation.
Conclusions:
- Detailed understanding of BTV replication mechanisms.
- Provides a foundation for developing control strategies against BTV and related reoviruses.
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