9fhk
From Proteopedia
Structure of the F13 protein of Vaccinia virus (P21 crystal form)
Structural highlights
FunctionPG057_VACCW Major envelope protein that plays a role in the biogenesis of the viral double membrane and in egress of virus from the host cell (PubMed:17475658, PubMed:27466413, PubMed:8999886). Produces the wrapped form of virus that is required for cell-to-cell spread (PubMed:27466413, PubMed:29540596). Acts as a lipase with broad specificity including phospholipase C, phospholipase A, and triacylglycerol lipase activities (PubMed:9405398).[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Publication Abstract from PubMedMpox is a zoonotic disease endemic to Central and West Africa. Since 2022, two human-adapted monkeypox virus (MPXV) strains have caused large outbreaks outside these regions. Tecovirimat is the most widely used drug to treat mpox. It blocks viral egress by targeting the viral phospholipase F13; however, the structural details are unknown, and mutations in the F13 gene can result in resistance against tecovirimat, raising public health concerns. Here we report the structure of an F13 homodimer using X-ray crystallography, both alone (2.1 A) and in complex with tecovirimat (2.6 A). Combined with molecular dynamics simulations and dimerization assays, we show that tecovirimat acts as a molecular glue that promotes dimerization of the phospholipase. Tecovirimat resistance mutations identified in clinical MPXV isolates map to the F13 dimer interface and prevent drug-induced dimerization in solution and in cells. These findings explain how tecovirimat works, allow for better monitoring of resistant MPXV strains and pave the way for developing more potent and resilient therapeutics. Structural insights into tecovirimat antiviral activity and poxvirus resistance.,Vernuccio R, Martinez Leon A, Poojari CS, Buchrieser J, Selverian CN, Jaleta Y, Meola A, Guivel-Benhassine F, Porrot F, Haouz A, Chevreuil M, Raynal B, Mercer J, Simon-Loriere E, Chandran K, Schwartz O, Hub JS, Guardado-Calvo P Nat Microbiol. 2025 Mar;10(3):734-748. doi: 10.1038/s41564-025-01936-6. Epub 2025 , Feb 12. PMID:39939832[6] From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. References
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