Hantavirus Gc glycoprotein: Evidence for a class ll fusion protein

Nicole D. Tischler*, Angel Gonzales, Tomas Perez-Acle, Mario Rosemblatt, Pablo D.T. Valenzuela

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

61 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hantavirus cell entry is promoted by its envelope glycoproteins, Gn and Gc, through cell attachment and by fusion between viral and endosomal membranes at low pH. However, the role of Gn and Gc in receptor binding and cell fusion has not yet been defined. In this work, a sequence presenting characteristics similar to those of class II fusion peptides (FPs) of alphavirus E1 and flavivirus E proteins is identified within the hantavirus Gc glycoprotein. A three-dimensional comparative molecular model based on crystallographic data of tick-borne encephalitis virus E protein is proposed for the Andes virus (ANDV) Gc ectodomain, which supports a feasible class II fusion-protein fold. In vitro experimental evidence is provided for the binding activity of the ANDV FP candidate to artificial membranes, as demonstrated by fluorescence anisotropy assays. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that the Gc glycoprotein of hantaviruses and of other members of the family Bunyaviridae directs the viral fusion activity and that it may be classified as a class II viral fusion protein.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2937-2947
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of General Virology
Volume86
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Virology

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