VEEV

Reference: Zhang et al. “4.4 Å cryo-EM structure of an enveloped alphavirus Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus” EMBO (2011) 30(18), pgs 3854 – 3863.

VEEV = Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus

Fast Facts

-                Capable of infecting both humans and all species of equine (horses, zebras, donkeys)

-                Mosquito-borne pathogen

No human vaccine or antivirual drugs are available to treat VEEV.  Instead, an attenuated virus exists known as TC-83, which is given to laboratory workers and military personnel as a vaccine.  Because of its inability to be treated, high infection rate, and ease of production, VEEV has the potential to be used in bioterrorism.  In fact, the United States and a few other countries have developed VEEV as a biological weapon.  

In a recent issue of The EMBO Journal, Zhang et al. published the 4.4 Å electron cryo-microscopy structure of TC-83.  Partial X-ray crystallography structures were known of the viral coat proteins E1 and E2, but this data allowed researchers to determine reasonable models for both entire proteins.  

Figures 3.1 and 3.2 are taken directly from the paper and show the reported structure for one viral particle in 3D and a cross section of the virus.

Researchers say their data partially explains why TC-83 is attenuated compared with other VEEVs and offers insights on host recognition and initial nucleocapsid core formation.  For a virus we need to understand better, this structure and their work is definitely a step forward. 

The reference is above if you’d like to read more!