Download MendeleyStructure of the hepatitis E virus-like particle suggests mechanisms for virus assembly and receptor binding.
Guu, T.S., Liu, Z., Ye, Q., Mata, D.A., Li, K., Yin, C., Zhang, J., Tao, Y.J.(2009) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 106: 12992-12997
- PubMed: 19622744
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0904848106
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
3HAG - PubMed Abstract:
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), a small, non-enveloped RNA virus in the family Hepeviridae, is associated with endemic and epidemic acute viral hepatitis in developing countries. Our 3.5-A structure of a HEV-like particle (VLP) shows that each capsid protein contains 3 linear domains that form distinct structural elements: S, the continuous capsid; P1, 3-fold protrusions; and P2, 2-fold spikes. The S domain adopts a jelly-roll fold commonly observed in small RNA viruses. The P1 and P2 domains both adopt beta-barrel folds. Each domain possesses a potential polysaccharide-binding site that may function in cell-receptor binding. Sugar binding to P1 at the capsid protein interface may lead to capsid disassembly and cell entry. Structural modeling indicates that native T = 3 capsid contains flat dimers, with less curvature than those of T = 1 VLP. Our findings significantly advance the understanding of HEV molecular biology and have application to the development of vaccines and antiviral medications.
Organizational Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
