Exploring the Structural Divergence of HIV and SRLV Lentiviral Capsids.

ABSTRACT: Lentiviruses require a mature capsid to package and traffic their viral genome for successful infection and propagation. Although the HIV-1 capsid structure has been extensively studied, structural information is lacking for other lentiviral capsids, limiting our understanding. Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and a liposome-templating system, we assembled capsid-like particles (CLPs) and resolved capsid protein (CA) pentamer and hexamer lattice structures from the two major phylogenetic groups of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs). These structures exhibit an overall lattice organization like HIV-1 but differ in key characteristics, notably the absence of inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) in the SRLV CA lattice─a critical factor for HIV-1 capsid assembly and function. Additionally,

SUBMITTER: Arizaga F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12515838 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature