Molecular organization of a recombinant subviral particle from tick-borne encephalitis virus

Mol Cell. 2001 Mar;7(3):593-602. doi: 10.1016/s1097-2765(01)00206-4.

Abstract

The tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) flavivirus contains two transmembrane proteins, E and M. Coexpression of E and the M precursor (prM) leads to secretion of recombinant subviral particles (RSPs). In the most common form of these RSPs, analyzed at a 19 A resolution by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), 60 copies of E pack as dimers in a T = 1 icosahedral surface lattice (outer diameter, 315 A). Fitting the high-resolution structure of a soluble E fragment into the RSP density defines interaction sites between E dimers, positions M relative to E, and allows assignment of transmembrane regions of E and M. Lateral interactions among the glycoproteins stabilize this capsidless particle; similar interactions probably contribute to assembly of virions. The structure suggests a picture for trimer association under fusion-inducing conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • DNA, Recombinant / genetics
  • Dimerization
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / chemistry*
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / genetics
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / metabolism
  • Encephalitis Viruses, Tick-Borne / ultrastructure*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Conformation
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virus Assembly*

Substances

  • DNA, Recombinant
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • prM protein, Flavivirus
  • glycoprotein E, Flavivirus