Influenza virus genome is composed of several encapsidated RNA molecules forming ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs). Each RNP is composed of a viral RNA segment covered by multiple copies of the nucleoprotein (NP) and with an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) interacting specifically with the strictly conserved 5‘ and 3’ ends of the RNA. Each RNP constitutes an independent functional unit, transcribing and/or replicating the viral RNA segment in the nucleus of the infected cell. The team has partaken in the epic story of deciphering the structure of the RNA polymerase and set out to unlock the secret of the helical antiparallel double-stranded nucleocapsid.
The components of influenza virus RiboNucleoprotein. (left) The main domains of RNA polymerase on which the team worked. (right) the helical antiparallel double-stranded nucleopcapsid-like particle assembled in vitro from monomeric nucleoprotein and synthetic RNA.
The team’s current aim is to combine all the components to reconstitute the RNP.