From proteins to virus particles: the structure and function of virions

Structural biologists are building atomic-scale 3D models of influenza, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus particles to see exactly how their protein shapes dictate infection. The problem is that viruses constantly evolve, changing their surface proteins to dodge immune responses, and researchers lack a complete picture of how these proteins fit together and move within a mature virion. This programme combines experimental structure determination with computer simulations of molecular motion and mathematical models of viral evolution. If it succeeds, it will reveal the precise atomic architecture of three major respiratory viruses, showing which parts of the virion are stable targets for drugs or vaccines and which parts are likely to mutate. This is fundamental science—there is no immediate clinical application. However, past structural biology work on HIV and hepatitis C directly enabled the design of antiviral drugs now used by millions. A deeper understanding of virion structure could similarly guide future efforts to block virus assembly or entry, potentially shortening the response time when new pandemic threats emerge.