Qin C, Li W, Li Q, Yin W, Zhang X, et al. Real-time dissection of dynamic uncoating of individual influenza viruses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2019 Jan 9.
Uncoating is an obligatory step in the virus life cycle that serves as an antiviral target. Unfortunately, it is challenging to study viral uncoating due to methodology limitations for detecting this transient and dynamic event. The uncoating of influenza A virus (IAV), which contains an unusual genome of eight segmented RNAs, is particularly poorly understood. Here, by encapsulating quantum dot (QD)-conjugated viral ribonucleoprotein complexes (vRNPs) within infectious IAV virions and applying single-particle imaging, we tracked the uncoating process of individual IAV virions. Approximately 30% of IAV particles were found to undergo uncoating through fusion with late endosomes in the "around-nucleus" region at 30 to 90 minutes postinfection. Inhibition of viral M2 proton channels and cellular endosome acidification prevented IAV uncoating. IAV vRNPs are released separately into the cytosol after virus uncoating. Then, individual vRNPs undergo a three-stage movement to the cell nucleus and display two diffusion patterns when inside the nucleus. These findings reveal IAV uncoating and vRNP trafficking mechanisms, filling a critical gap in knowledge about influenza viral infection.
See Also:
Latest articles in those days:
- Evolution of H7N9 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in the context of vaccination 15 hours ago
- Cost-effectiveness of high-dose influenza vaccination in the Netherlands: Incorporating the impact on both respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations 15 hours ago
- First human case of avian influenza A (H10N3) in Southwest China [preprint] 3 days ago
- Molecular characterization of the whole genome of H9N2 avian influenza virus isolated from Egyptian poultry farms 3 days ago
- Genetic drift and purifying selection shape within-host influenza A virus populations during natural swine infections 3 days ago
[Go Top] [Close Window]