Stochastic dynamics of virus capsid formation: direct versus hierarchical self-assembly.

ABSTRACT:

Unlabelled

Background

In order to replicate within their cellular host, many viruses have developed self-assembly strategies for their capsids which are sufficiently robust as to be reconstituted in vitro. Mathematical models for virus self-assembly usually assume that the bonds leading to cluster formation have constant reactivity over the time course of assembly (direct assembly). In some cases, however, binding sites between the capsomers have been reported to be activated during the self-assembly process (hierarchical assembly).

Results

In order to study possible advantages of such hierarchical schemes for icosahedral virus capsid assembly, we use Brownian dynamics simulations of a patchy particle model that allows us to switch binding sites on and off during ass

SUBMITTER: Baschek JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3563543 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature