DNA virus uncoating.
Virus genomes are condensed and packaged inside stable proteinaceous capsids that serve to protect them during transit from one cell or host organism, to the next. During virus entry, capsid shells are primed and disassembled in a complex, tightly-regulated, multi-step process termed uncoating. Here we compare the uncoating-programs of DNA viruses of the pox-, herpes-, adeno-, polyoma-, and papillomavirus families. Highlighting the chemical and mechanical cues virus capsids respond to, we review the conformational changes that occur during stepwise disassembly of virus capsids and how these culminate in the release of viral genomes at the right time and cellular location to assure successful replication.
MRC-Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT United Kingdom.
Samuel
S
Kilcher
MRC-Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT United Kingdom. Electronic address: jason.mercer@ucl.ac.uk.
Jason
J
Mercer
D036022:Capsid Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D004267:DNA Viruses / Q000502:physiology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000378:metabolism; D057646:Virus Uncoating
D036022:Capsid Proteins; D004279:DNA, Viral
Capsid priming; Endocytosis; Fusion; Viral genome release; Virus entry