Composition and three-dimensional architecture of the dengue virus replication and assembly sites

Cell Host Microbe. 2009 Apr 23;5(4):365-75. doi: 10.1016/j.chom.2009.03.007.

Abstract

Positive-strand RNA viruses are known to rearrange cellular membranes to facilitate viral genome replication. The biogenesis and three-dimensional organization of these membranes and the link between replication and virus assembly sites is not fully clear. Using electron microscopy, we find Dengue virus (DENV)-induced vesicles, convoluted membranes, and virus particles to be endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-derived, and we detect double-stranded RNA, a presumed marker of RNA replication, inside virus-induced vesicles. Electron tomography (ET) shows DENV-induced membrane structures to be part of one ER-derived network. Furthermore, ET reveals vesicle pores that could enable release of newly synthesized viral RNA and reveals budding of DENV particles on ER membranes directly apposed to vesicle pores. Thus, DENV modifies ER membrane structure to promote replication and efficient encapsidation of the genome into progeny virus. This architecture of DENV replication and assembly sites could explain the coordination of distinct steps of the flavivirus replication cycle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Cell Membrane / virology
  • Cytoplasmic Vesicles / ultrastructure
  • Cytoplasmic Vesicles / virology
  • Dengue Virus / physiology*
  • Dengue Virus / ultrastructure*
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / ultrastructure
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / virology
  • Hepatocytes / ultrastructure*
  • Hepatocytes / virology*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Virus Assembly*
  • Virus Replication*