The p domain of norovirus capsid protein forms a subviral particle that binds to histo-blood group antigen receptors

J Virol. 2005 Nov;79(22):14017-30. doi: 10.1128/JVI.79.22.14017-14030.2005.

Abstract

Norovirus is the most important cause of nonbacterial acute gastroenteritis. We have shown previously that the isolated P domain containing the hinge forms a dimer and binds to histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) receptors with a low affinity (M. Tan, R. S. Hegde, and X. Jiang, J. Virol. 78:6233-6242, 2004). Here, we reported that the P domain of VA387 without the hinge forms a small particle with a significantly increased receptor binding affinity. An end-linked oligopeptide containing one or more cysteines promoted P-particle formation by forming intermolecular disulfide bridges. The binding sensitivity of the P particle to HBGAs was enhanced >700-fold compared to the P dimer, which was comparable to that of virus-like particles. The binding specificity of the P particle was further confirmed by strong binding to the Caco-2 cells, a human colon carcinoma cell line. This binding enhancement was observed in the P particles of both norovirus GI and GII strains. The P particle is estimated to contain 12 P dimers, in which the P2 subdomain builds up the outer layer, while the P1 subdomain forms the internal core. Taken together, our data indicate that the P domain is involved not only in dimerization but also in polymerization of the protein during the capsid assembling. The enhanced receptor binding of the P particle reflects the intrinsic feature of the viral capsid. The easy production of the P particle and its strong binding to HBGAs suggest that the P particle is useful in studying pathogenesis and morphogenesis of norovirus and candidates for antiviral or vaccine development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Binding Sites
  • Blood Group Antigens / chemistry
  • Blood Group Antigens / physiology*
  • Capsid Proteins / chemistry
  • Capsid Proteins / genetics
  • Capsid Proteins / physiology*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA Primers
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Norovirus / physiology*
  • Peptide Fragments / chemistry
  • Peptide Fragments / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Spodoptera

Substances

  • Blood Group Antigens
  • Capsid Proteins
  • DNA Primers
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Recombinant Proteins