Abstract
The baculovirus nucleocapsid is formed through a rod-like capsid encapsulating a genomic DNA molecule of 80~180 kbp. The viral capsid is a large oligomer composed of many copies of various protein subunits. The assembly of viral capsids is a complex oligomerization process. The timing of expression of nucleocapsid-related proteins, transport pathways, and their interactions can affect the assembly process of preformed capsids. In addition, the selection of viral DNA and the injection of the viral genome into empty capsids are the critical steps in nucleocapsid assembly. This paper reviews the replication and recombination of baculovirus DNA, expression and transport of capsid proteins, formation of preformed capsids, DNA encapsulation, and nucleocapsid formation. This review will provide a basis for further study of the nucleocapsid assembly mechanism of baculovirus.
Highlights
Baculoviridae consists of a large family of circular dsDNA viruses with DNA molecules sized from 80 to 180 kbp that are encapsulated in enveloped rod-like capsids [1,2]
Nucleocapsids are coated by their envelopes containing a series of per os infectivity factors from the host cell nuclear membrane to form occlusion-derived virions (ODVs) that are further embedded in paracrystalline polyhedrin (Polh) structures to form occlusion bodies (OBs)
It is hypothesized that budded virions (BVs)/ODV-C42 interacts with P78/83 to form a complex and facilitates transportation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in insect cell infected with the virus [33]
Summary
Baculoviridae consists of a large family of circular dsDNA viruses with DNA molecules sized from 80 to 180 kbp that are encapsulated in enveloped rod-like capsids [1,2]. Nucleocapsids bud from the plasma membrane to obtain the envelopes with fusion proteins F or GP64 to generate BVs. BVs are able to launch successful systematic infection through entering into many cells and tissues mediated by the fusion proteins within a host larva [4,5]. Nucleocapsids are coated by their envelopes containing a series of per os infectivity factors from the host cell nuclear membrane to form ODVs that are further embedded in paracrystalline polyhedrin (Polh) structures to form occlusion bodies (OBs). Since the nucleocapsids are identical between BVs and ODVs [6], the proper assembly of the nucleocapsid is essential for the production of BVs and ODVs, and for the infectivity of the baculovirus With all of this in mind, revealing the mechanism of nucleocapsid assembly in baculoviruses is important in order to help scientists to understand baculovirus transmission
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