Open AccessLassa Virus Z Protein Is a Matrix Protein Sufficient for the Release of Virus-Like Particles
Author(s) -
Thomas Strecker,
Robert Eichler,
Jan ter Meulen,
Winfríed Weissenhorn,
Hans Dieter Klenk,
Wolfgang Garten,
Oliver Lenz
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of virology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.617
H-Index - 292
eISSN - 1070-6321
pISSN - 0022-538X
DOI - 10.1128/jvi.77.19.10700-10705.2003
Subject(s) - viral matrix protein , lassa virus , biology , vp40 , nucleoprotein , virology , virus , arenavirus , glycoprotein , viral envelope , rna , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , genetics , lymphocytic choriomeningitis , cytotoxic t cell , in vitro
Lassa virus is an enveloped virus with glycoprotein spikes on its surface. It contains an RNA ambisense genome that encodes the glycoprotein precursor GP-C, the nucleoprotein NP, the polymerase L, and the Z protein. Here we demonstrate that the Lassa virus Z protein (i). is abundant in viral particles, (ii). is strongly membrane associated, (iii). is sufficient in the absence of all other viral proteins to release enveloped particles, and (iv). contains two late domains, PTAP and PPXY, necessary for the release of virus-like particles. Our data provide evidence that Z is the Lassa virus matrix protein that is the driving force for virus particle release.