Publications (1)9.68 Total impact
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Article: Structure of the hepatitis E virus-like particle suggests mechanisms for virus assembly and receptor binding.
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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.Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 08/2009; 106(31):12992-7. · 9.68 Impact Factor
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Institutions
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2009
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Peking University
- Health Science Center
Beijing, Beijing Shi, China
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