Influenza Virus and SARS-CoV-2 Structures: Entry, Replication, and Assembly

Dear Colleagues,

Influenza viruses cause recurring epidemics and occasional pandemics, producing mild to severe respiratory infections in millions of people worldwide each year. The virions that cause these infections are structurally complex. Influenza virus particles are composed of a host-derived lipid envelope containing viral membrane proteins, an interior matrix layer that lines the viral envelope, and an organized bundle of viral ribonucleoprotein complexes, the virus’s transcription and replication machinery. In addition to these viral factors, influenza virions also incorporate proteins from the host during assembly. The structure and the molecular composition of the virion is fundamental to its ability to transmit throughout the environment and to infect new cells. Recent developments in methodology, including light and electron microscopy, have advanced our knowledge of the structure and function of the influenza virus. This work has begun to uncover how the structure and composition of the virion is established during assembly and how it contributes to viral transmission and cellular infection.

This Special Issue invites both updated reviews and original research articles on topics relating to the structure and molecular organization of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2, including insights into virus assembly and the contributions of virion structure to viral attachment, entry, and uncoating.

Dr. Michael D. Vahey
Guest Editor

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