A specific domain of the Chikungunya virus E2 protein regulates particle formation in human cells: implications for alphavirus vaccine design.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Akahata W
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3421714 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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A specific domain of the Chikungunya virus E2 protein regulates particle formation in human cells: implications for alphavirus vaccine design.
Akahata Wataru W Nabel Gary J GJ
Journal of virology 20120530 16
Virus-like particles (VLPs) can be generated from Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), but different strains yield variable quantities of particles. Here, we define the genetic basis for these differences and show that amino acid 234 in E2 substantially affects VLP production. This site is located within the acid-sensitive region (ASR) known to initiate a major conformational change in E1/E2. Selected other mutations in the ASR, or changes in pH, also increased VLP yield. These results demonstrate that th ...[more]
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