Selection and Characterization of a Reovirus Mutant with Increased Thermostability.
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ABSTRACT: The environment represents a significant barrier to infection. Physical stressors (heat) or chemical agents (ethanol) can render virions noninfectious. As such, discrete proteins are necessary to stabilize the dual-layered structure of mammalian orthoreovirus (reovirus). The outer capsid participates in cell entry: (i) ?3 is degraded to generate the infectious subviral particle, and (ii) ?1 facilitates membrane penetration and subsequent core delivery. ?1-?3 interactions also prevent inactivation; however, this activity is not fully characterized. Using forward and reverse genetic approaches, we identified two mutations (?1 M258I and ?3 S344P) within heat-resistant strains. ?3 S344P was sufficient to enhance capsid integrity and to reduce protease sensitivity. Moreover, these changes impaired replicative fitness in a reassortant background. This work reveals new details regarding the determinants of reovirus stability.IMPORTANCE Nonenveloped viruses rely on protein-protein interactions to shield their genomes from the environment. The capsid, or protective shell, must also disassemble during cell entry. In this work, we identified a determinant within mammalian orthoreovirus that regulates heat resistance, disassembly kinetics, and replicative fitness. Together, these findings show capsid function is balanced for optimal replication and for spread to a new host.
SUBMITTER: Snyder AJ
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6475788 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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