Ebola and Marburg virus matrix layers are locally ordered assemblies of VP40 dimers

We present structures of Ebola and Marburg VP40 matrix layers in intact virus-like particles, and within intact Marburg viruses. VP40 dimers assemble extended chains via C-terminal domain interactions. These chains stack to form 2D matrix lattices below the membrane surface. These lattices form a patchwork assembly across the membrane and suggesting that assembly may begin at multiple points. Our observations define the structure and arrangement of the matrix protein layer that mediates formation of filovirus particles.
Source: eLife - Category: Biomedical Science Tags: Microbiology and Infectious Disease Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics Source Type: research