Cryo-EM Structure of a Possum Enterovirus.

Ivy Wang,Guillaume Ems,Mihnea Bostina,Nadishka Jayawardena,Sandeep K Gupta,Mike Strauss

doi:10.3390/v14020318

Abstract

Enteroviruses (EVs) represent a substantial concern to global health. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of a non-human enterovirus, EV-F4, isolated from the Australian brushtail possum to assess the structural diversity of these picornaviruses. The capsid structure, determined to ~3 Å resolution by single particle analysis, exhibits a largely smooth surface, similar to EV-F3 (formerly BEV-2). Although the cellular receptor is not known, the absence of charged residues on the outer surface of the canyon suggest a different receptor type than for EV-F3. Density for the pocket factor is clear, with the entrance to the pocket being smaller than for other enteroviruses.

Highlights

Enteroviruses (EVs) form the largest genus within the Picornaviridae family and are one of the most widespread viruses infecting animals
Possum EV-F4 virus was cultured on primary possum kidney (PPK) cells according to the method described previously [21]
EV-F4 virions were grown in PPK cells, purified via density gradient centrifugation, flash frozen and visualized by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM)

Summary

Introduction

Enteroviruses (EVs) form the largest genus within the Picornaviridae family and are one of the most widespread viruses infecting animals. EVs are usually responsible for infections characterized by flu-like symptoms, but can be associated with more severe diseases following the spread of viral replication from the gastro-intestinal or respiratory tract to secondary tissues such as brain, heart, or liver [1]. There are 15 enteroviruses species that have been identified. EV-A to -D and Rhinoviruses (RV) RV-A to -C primarily infect humans, while EV-E to -L infect livestock and non-human primates [2,3]. No antivirals for treating enterovirus infections are currently clinically approved [4,5]. With the constant characterisation of new species, EVs remain significant global health burden and increasing threat for further epidemics [6]

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Results

Conclusion