Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:08
Generation and Assembly of Virus-Specific Nucleocapsids of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Published on: July 27, 2021
Direct interaction between RSV polymerase L and active Rab11a mediates viral ribonucleoprotein transport to assembly
Claire Giry1, Ana Joaquina Jimenez1, Julie De Oliveira1
1M3P, Institut Pasteur, UMR 1173 (2I), Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
Plos Pathogens
|August 3, 2026
Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hijacks Rab11a for genome transport via its L polymerase. This study details the molecular interaction, revealing a potential target for antiviral therapies against RSV.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) requires transport of viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs) for assembly.
- vRNPs are known to hijack the cellular protein Rab11a for transport along microtubules.
- The precise molecular mechanism of this hijacking has remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively characterize the molecular interaction between RSV vRNPs and Rab11a.
- To identify the specific viral component responsible for Rab11a binding.
- To define the interaction interface and its functional significance in vRNP transport.
Main Methods:
- Immunoprecipitation assays
- Immunofluorescence colocalization studies
- GST pull-down assays
- Biolayer interferometry
- Domain mapping and mutagenesis of viral L polymerase
Main Results:
- The viral L polymerase, not other vRNP components, directly binds to Rab11a.
- L interacts specifically with the active, GTP-bound form of Rab11a with sub-micromolar affinity.
- The C-terminal domains of L (residues 1756-2165) and Rab11a's Switch I region mediate the interaction, with L's Leucine 1860 being critical.
- Inhibiting the L-Rab11a interaction impairs vRNP dynamics during infection.
Conclusions:
- RSV L polymerase is the key mediator of Rab11a engagement for vRNP transport.
- The molecular interface of the L-Rab11a interaction has been defined.
- Targeting the L-Rab11a interaction presents a promising strategy for developing novel antiviral therapies against RSV.
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