Interactions of Marburg virus nucleocapsid proteins

Abstract

In this study, the components of Marburg virus nucleocapsid complex were determined, and interactions between the compounds were investigated. Using salt dissociation of isolated virions, four proteins (NP, VP35, VP30, and L) remained attached to the core complex. Same proteins were detected intracellularly to be localized in MBGV-induced inclusion bodies, which are presumed to represent areas of nucleocapsid formation. To investigate interactions between the four proteins, immunofluorescence analysis of coexpressed proteins was carried out. Complexes between NP-VP35 and NP-VP30 were formed, which was demonstrated by redistribution of VP35 and VP30 into NP-induced inclusion bodies. Furthermore, complexes between L and VP35 were detected by coimmunoprecipitation. Using deletion mutants of L, the binding site of VP35 on L could be restricted to the N-terminal 530 amino-acid residues. Coexpression of NP, VP35, and L led to the formation of a triple complex where VP35 linked NP and L. The detected complexes are presumed to represent the key components of the MBGV transcription and replication machinery.