Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 1.
Schematic diagram of Ebola virus. The Ebola virus genome
encodes seven structural proteins and a nonstructural protein (sGP). The
virions appear as filamentous particles of approximately 80 nm in diameter
and differ greatly in length. The virus particles contain a single surface glyco-
protein (GP). The VP40 and possibly the VP24 protein form a matrix under-
neath the lipid bilayer. The viral nucleocapsid is composed of the viral RNA,
NP, VP30, VP35, and L proteins, and may also include the VP24 protein.
characteristically shaped as filamentous particles of approximately 80 nm in
diameter with no uniform length
2
(Fig. 1). The 19 kb genome is encapsi-
dated by the nucleocapsid, which consists of the nucleoprotein (NP), viral
structural protein (VP) 30 and VP35, and the polymerase protein (L).
The nucleocapsid is surrounded by a lipid envelope derived from cellular
membranes. Beneath the inner leaflet of the viral envelope lies a lattice of
matrix protein (VP40) and possibly VP24, a small membrane-associated
protein that may also be a component of the nucleocapsid. Filovirus par-
ticles also contain a single, trimeric surface glycoprotein (GP).
Virus assembly is believed to be a step-wise process by which viral
components are transported to designated locations for assembly into
larger complexes such as nucleocapsids, and ultimately into virus
particles. Studies on the assembly mechanisms of viruses of the same
