Capsid

Capsid Latest News

A new study found that to escape the drug Lenacapavir, HIV must damage its own capsid, reaffirming that the viral capsid is an effective target for antiviral therapy.

About Capsid

• A capsid is a three-dimensional proteinaceous capsular shell around a virus that encloses the viral genetic material. 
• It is located just below the viral envelope.
• The capsid is made of several repeating finite numbers of protein subunits known as capsomeres or protomers. 
• The capsomeres of the protein coat can be associated with or may be closely related to the viral genetic material or nucleic acid. 
• The complexity of the capsid is dictated by the virus’s own genetic material. The more complex the genome, the more intricate the protein shell must be. 
• Some complex viruses have capsids with non-protein components like lipids, or in certain viruses, the capsid is further enclosed in a glycoprotein layer; such capsids are known as enveloped capsids.
• The viral capsid is in the nanometer (nm) size range and possesses complex and unique mechanical properties.
• It serves multiple functions, namely, encapsulating and protecting viral genetic material and transferring of genetic material to the required place in the new host. 
• For serving all these functions, the capsid needs highly specific mechanistic and functional flexibility as well as strength.

Source: TH

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