The 3.8 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of Zika virus

Devika Sirohi, Zhenguo Chen, Lei Sun, Thomas Klose, Theodore C. Pierson, Michael G. Rossmann, Richard J. Kuhn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

578 Scopus citations

Abstract

The recent rapid spread of Zika virus and its unexpected linkage to birth defects and an autoimmune neurological syndrome have generated worldwide concern. Zika virus is a flavivirus like the dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile viruses.We present the 3.8 angstrom resolution structure of mature Zika virus, determined by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).The structure of Zika virus is similar to other known flavivirus structures, except for the ~10 amino acids that surround the Asn154 glycosylation site in each of the 180 envelope glycoproteins that make up the icosahedral shell. The carbohydrate moiety associated with this residue, which is recognizable in the cryo-EM electron density, may function as an attachment site of the virus to host cells. This region varies not only among Zika virus strains but also in other flaviviruses, which suggests that differences in this region may influence virus transmission and disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)467-470
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume352
Issue number6284
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 22 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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