Multiple Nucleocapsid Structural Forms of Shrimp White Spot Syndrome Virus Suggests a Novel Viral Morphogenetic Pathway
Journal
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Journal Volume
24
Journal Issue
8
Start Page
7525
ISSN
1422-0067
Date Issued
2023-04-19
Author(s)
Hui-Ju Huang
Sen-Lin Tang
Yuan-Chih Chang
Hao-Ching Wang
Tze Hann Ng
Rees F. Garmann
Jiun-Yan Huang
Ramya Kumar
Sheng-Hsiung Chang
Shang-Rung Wu
Kyoko Matoba
Iwasaki Kenji
William M. Gelbart
Tzu-Ping Ko
Hwei-Jiung (Andrew) Wang
Chu-Fang Lo
Li-Li Chen
Han-Ching Wang
Abstract
White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a very large dsDNA virus. The accepted shape of the WSSV virion has been as ellipsoidal, with a tail-like extension. However, due to the scarcity of reliable references, the pathogenesis and morphogenesis of WSSV are not well understood. Here, we used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) to address some knowledge gaps. We concluded that mature WSSV virions with a stout oval-like shape do not have tail-like extensions. Furthermore, there were two distinct ends in WSSV nucleocapsids: a portal cap and a closed base. A C14 symmetric structure of the WSSV nucleocapsid was also proposed, according to our Cryo-EM map. Immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) revealed that VP664 proteins, the main components of the 14 assembly units, form a ring-like architecture. Moreover, WSSV nucleocapsids were also observed to undergo unique helical dissociation. Based on these new results, we propose a novel morphogenetic pathway of WSSV.
Subjects
cryogenic electron microscopy
large dsDNA virus
nucleocapsid
white spot syndrome virus
Publisher
MDPI AG
Type
journal article