Viral capsids as natural and synthetic molecular containers

I&EC 16

Trevor Douglas, tdouglas@chemistry.montana.edu, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Montana State University, Center for Bioinspired Nanomaterials, Gaines Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717 and Mark J. Young, myoung@montana.edu, Center for Bio-Inspired Nanomaterials, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717.
Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) has been used as a model for understanding the assembly of viral architectures. We have explored modifications to the exterior and interior interfaces while maintaining assembly of stable icosahedral capsid particles. This has allowed us to utilize the high symmetry of the viral capsid to engineer unique functionality for ordered multivalent presentation. These modifications have a profound influence on packaging and interaction of the capsid with surfaces. In addition, modifications to the interfaces between subunits have been made, which influence structural transitions of the capsid as well as metal binding affinity. Using a solid state approach we have shown that the symmetry of the CCMV capsid can be broken to allow differentiation of modified sites within the icosahedral capsid. An in vitro assembly system has also allowed us to direct the mixed assembly of differentially modified subunits to generate symmetry broken, multiply labeled capsids.