Insights Derived from the Structure of Human Adenovirus

Abstract

Human adenoviruses are non‐enveloped, double stranded DNA viruses responsible for many upper‐respiratory infections and eye infections. It is composed of a spherical capsid that surrounds the viral genome. The trimeric fiber protein, exposed on the capsid exterior, is unique to adenoviruses and facilitates the attachment to the host cell via interactions between the knob domain and cell surface proteins. After entry into the host the virus is carried to the nucleus, where the capsid disassociates and the DNA passes through the nuclear pore. The adenovirus is of particular interest for the role it may play in targeted gene therapy as a vector.Further study of the virus' structure, specifically the knob domain located on the fiber protein, may allow for genetic alterations to specific cell surface proteins and to circumvent neutralizing antibodies. In addition, knowledge of the structural details provides ways to disrupt their assembly and disassembly, thereby interfering with their natural lifecycle and associated infections. The structural details can also be used to re‐target the adenoviruses to the cells of interest and deliver specific genes, thus making it a useful delivery vehicle. The El Capitan SMART (Students Modeling A Research Topic) Team modeled the fiber protein using 3D printing technology. Supported by a grant from the HHMI Pre‐College Program