Capsid Modification
Capsid Modification - Related Videos
03:24
Visualizing Heat-Treated Viral Capsids Using Transmission Electron Microscopy
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2026
Source: Moore, M. D., et al. Alternative In Vitro Methods for the Determination of Viral Capsid Structural Integrity. J. Vis. Exp.(2017).This video demonstrates how purified viral capsids are heat-treated, prepared, and imaged using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to reveal structural changes and heat-induced damage.
12:57
Alternative In Vitro Methods for the Determination of Viral Capsid Structural Integrity
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Cited by 6 •
2017
Routine detection methods utilizing viral genome amplification are limited by their inability to discriminate infectious from non-infectious particles. The purpose of this article is to provide detailed protocols for alternative methods to aid in discrimination of infectious norovirus particles using aptamer binding, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy.
07:24
In Vitro Disassembly of Influenza A Virus Capsids by Gradient Centrifugation
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Cited by 4 •
2016
Disassembly of influenza A virus cores during virus entry into host cells is a multistep process. We describe an in vitro method to analyze the early stages of viral uncoating. In this approach, velocity gradient centrifugation is used to biochemically dissect the steps that initiate uncoating under defined conditions.
08:14
Combined Genetic and Chemical Capsid Modifications of Adenovirus-Based Gene Transfer Vectors for Shielding and Targeting
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Cited by 9 •
2018
The protocol described here enables researchers to specifically modify adenovirus capsids at selected sites by simple chemistry. Shielded adenovirus vectors particles and retargeted gene transfer vectors can be generated, and vector host interactions can be studied.
02:32
Histone Modification
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2020
The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression. Acetylation The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
FAQs
Capsid changes can modify receptor binding, the first interaction between a viral particle and a cell. Because receptor recognition influences tissue tropism, or the range of tissues a virus can target, altering capsid proteins may redirect particles toward selected cells. This principle supports efforts to improve targeted gene delivery while reducing exposure to unintended cell types.
Genetic engineering changes the instructions for producing capsid proteins, whereas chemical conjugation attaches selected chemical groups to an existing capsid. These approaches can influence related properties, including receptor binding, stability, cellular entry, or immune recognition, but they alter the particle through different mechanisms. Comparing both strategies helps researchers select an appropriate route for tailoring viral vectors.
A change that improves one capsid property can disrupt another. Altered proteins may affect particle assembly, the formation of complete viral particles, or infectivity, the ability to enter cells and deliver genetic material. Consequently, a modified capsid cannot be judged only by receptor binding or immune recognition; its overall biological performance and safety also require evaluation.
Development begins by selecting a capsid alteration intended to change a relevant property, such as tissue targeting, stability, cellular entry, or immune recognition. Researchers then examine whether the altered particles retain appropriate assembly and infectivity and assess their biological safety. This progression connects the planned molecular change with the particle’s actual behavior and suitability for its intended use.
Capsid modification is useful when a viral vector must deliver genetic material to selected cells or remain effective despite biological barriers. Changes in receptor binding and tissue tropism can influence where particles go, while altered stability may affect persistence. The approach therefore helps tailor delivery systems to a desired biological target rather than relying on an unchanged viral particle.
In vaccine development, capsid changes can support the design of safer particles or reduce unwanted immune recognition, provided the resulting biological effects are evaluated carefully. In virus-host studies, modifying receptor interactions or cellular entry helps investigators examine how viral particles interact with cells. These applications connect capsid engineering with both translational design and fundamental virology.