Human norovirus capsid shifts between two shapes, cryo-EM reveals
A research team led by Kazuyoshi Murata has discovered that virus-like particles (VLPs) of human norovirus genotype GII.3 are not structurally rigid, but can adopt two distinct conformational states, similar to those previously reported for murine norovirus.
The finding that human norovirus capsid shifts between two shapes, as revealed by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), has significant implications for our understanding of the virus's behavior and its interactions with host cells. Norovirus is a highly contagious and prevalent gastrointestinal pathogen that affects millions of people worldwide, and its ability to adapt and evolve is a key factor in its success as a pathogen.
The discovery of the dynamic nature of the norovirus capsid, led by Kazuyoshi Murata, provides new insights into the virus's structure-function relationship and may have important implications for the development of effective treatments and prevention strategies. The fact that VLPs of human norovirus genotype GII.3 can adopt two distinct conformational states, similar to those previously reported for murine norovirus, suggests that this property may be conserved across different norovirus strains and could be a key factor in their ability to infect host cells.
As researchers continue to study the structural dynamics of norovirus and its interactions with host cells, it will be important to watch how this new information informs the development of norovirus vaccines and therapeutics. Specifically, researchers will likely investigate whether the two conformational states of the norovirus capsid have different functional properties, such as altered receptor binding or viral entry efficiencies, and whether targeting these states could provide a viable strategy for preventing or treating norovirus infections.
Originally reported by phys.org. NewsData adds analysis for science & discovery readers.