Capsid Structure Collection

Adenovirus hexon protein, molecular model. Hexon proteins are part of the protein coat or shell (capsid) of adenoviruses. In viruses

HK97 bacteriophage capsid, molecular model. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, in this case enterobacteria such as E. coli (Escherichia coli), with the phage head shown here

Chikungunya virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical Africa and Asia, causes fever and joint pain in humans, similar to dengue fever

Turnip yellow mosaic virus capsid, molecular model. This virus infects a wide variety of plants, including crops such as turnips and cabbages, causing yellow patches on the leaves

Sindbis virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, transmitted by mosquitoes, causes sindbis fever in humans. In viruses, the capsid is the protein shell that encloses the genetic material

Murine polyomavirus capsid, molecular model. This virus, one of a range named for their potential to cause multiple tumours, infects mice

Brome mosaic virus capsid, molecular model. This plant virus infects grasses, especially brome grasses, and also barley. It causes mosaic patches of discolouration

Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus capsid, molecular model. This virus (CCMV) infects the cowpea plant (Vigna unguiculata), causing yellow spots of discolouration

Avian polyomavirus capsid, molecular model. This virus, one of a range named for their potential to cause multiple tumours, infects birds. Discovered in budgerigars in 1981, it is often fatal

Cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus capsid, molecular model. Part of the Cypovirus genus and invariably fatal, this insect virus is transmitted by contamination of leaves eaten (examples include silkworms)

Theilers encephalomyelitis virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, which causes brain and spinal cord inflammation in mice, is used in research

Tobacco necrosis virus capsid, molecular model. This plant virus infects a wide rage of plants, including the tobacco plant for which it is named. The virus causes tissue death (necrosis)

Grapevine fanleaf virus capsid, molecular model. This plant virus is named for its infection of grape vines. It is transmitted by the nematode worm Xiphinema index

VEE equine encephalitis virus capsid
Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus capsid, molecular model. This mosquito-borne virus can kill horses and other equine species, causing brain and spinal cord inflammation

Semliki forest virus capsid F006 / 9297
Semliki forest virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, named for the forest in Uganda where it was identified, is spread by the bite of mosquitoes. It can infect both humans and animals

Murine minute virus capsid, molecular model. This parvovirus infects mice, its only known natural host. It is highly infectious, transmitted through the nose and mouth

SV40 virus capsid, molecular model C018 / 7904
SV40 virus capsid, molecular model. Simian virus 40 (SV40) is found in monkeys such as Rhesus monkeys and macaques. Potentially tumour-causing, it is used in laboratory research and in vaccines

SV40 virus capsid, molecular model C018 / 7903
SV40 virus capsid, molecular model. Simian virus 40 (SV40) is found in monkeys such as Rhesus monkeys and macaques. Potentially tumour-causing, it is used in laboratory research and in vaccines

SV40 virus capsid, molecular model. Simian virus 40 (SV40) is found in monkeys such as Rhesus monkeys and macaques. Potentially tumour-causing, it is used in laboratory research and in vaccines

Dengue virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, transmitted by mosquito bites, causes the tropical disease dengue fever in humans

Ryegrass mottle virus capsid, molecular model. This plant virus is named for its infection of ryegrass, and the discolouration it causes

Norwalk virus capsid, molecular model. This norovirus, which causes a viral form of gastroenteritis, is transmitted from person-to-person or through contaminated food

Semliki forest virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, named for the forest in Uganda where it was identified, is spread by the bite of mosquitoes. It can infect both humans and animals

Physalis mottle virus capsid
Avian polyomavirus capsid, molecular model. This virus, one of a range named for their potential to cause multiple tumours, infects birds. Discovered in budgerigars in 1981, it is often fatal

Bombyx mori densovirus 1 capsid
Bombyx mori densovirus 1 (BmDNV-1), molecular model. This virus infects crustaceans and insects, especially the silkworm (Bombyx mori)

Hepatitis B virus capsid, molcular model
Hepatitis B virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, transmitted through infected bodily fluids or blood, causes the disease hepatitis B in humans, leading to acute liver inflammation

Simian rotavirus capsid, molecular model. This virus is named for its ability to infect the higher primates (simians). Rotaviruses, transmitted by faecal-oral contact

Poliovirus type 3 capsid, molecular model. This enterovirus causes poliomyelitis (polio) in humans, which affects the nervous system, sometimes leading to paralysis

Infectious bursal disease virus capsid, molecular model. This avian virus infects the bursa of Fabricius (specialised bird immune organ) in young chickens, and can cause high mortality rates

Enterovirus particle C014 / 4900
Enterovirus particle. Computer artwork of an enterovirus particle (virion), showing the structure of the capsid (outer shell)

Enterovirus capsid proteins structure C014 / 4897
Enterovirus capsid proteins structure. Computer artwork showing how the four component proteins (VP1 to VP4) of an enterovirus particle (virion) interlock to form the capsid (outer shell)

Enterovirus capsid proteins structure C014 / 4896
Enterovirus capsid proteins structure. Computer artwork showing how the four component proteins (VP1 to VP4) of an enterovirus particle (virion) interlock to form the capsid (outer shell)

Enterovirus particle C014 / 4898
Enterovirus particle. Computer artwork of an enterovirus particle (virion), showing the structure of the capsid (outer shell)

Enterovirus particles C014 / 4899
Enterovirus particles. Computer artwork of enterovirus particles (virion). Enteroviruses are a genus of non-enveloped positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses associated with several human

Aedes mosquito and Chikungunya virus. Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) mosquito next to a Chikungunya virus particle (virion). The Chikungunya virus is transmitted by Aedes sp

Penicillium partitivirus capsid, molecular model. This is the capsid of the partivirus called Penicillium stoloniferum virus F (PsV-F). This virus infects the fungi that make the drug penicillin

Echovirus 7 capsid, molecular model. Echoviruses are related to the polioviruses. They are usually harmless but can cause serious illness such as encephalitis, meningitis, heart and liver disease

Foot-and-mouth disease virus capsid, molecular model. This virus, which can be fatal, causes foot-and-mouth disease in cloven-hooved animals

Poliovirus type 1 capsid, molecular model. This enterovirus causes poliomyelitis (polio) in humans, which affects the nervous system, sometimes leading to paralysis

IBDV subviral particle, molecular model. IBDV (infectious bursal disease virus) is an avian virus that infects the bursa of Fabricius (specialised bird immune organ) in young chickens

Bluetongue virus capsid
Bluetongue virus (BTV) capsid, molecular model. BTV is an orbivirus, and is of major economic importance as an insect-borne pathogen of cattle and other ruminants

Alpha 3 bacteriophage capsid, molecular model. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, with the capsid forming the bacteriophage head. A capsid has subunits called capsomeres

Adenovirus penton base protein, molecular model. This protein molecule is a subunit called a penton, forming the vertices of the capsid of this adenovirus

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The capsid structure is a fascinating aspect of viral biology, playing a crucial role in protecting the genetic material and facilitating infection. Various viruses exhibit unique capsid structures, each with its own distinct features. One such example is the Adenovirus hexon protein, which forms the major component of the virus's capsid. Its intricate arrangement allows for efficient packaging of DNA within the virus particle. Another intriguing they are be found in the HK97 bacteriophage. This complex assembly consists of multiple proteins that come together to form an icosahedral shape, providing stability and protection to its genetic material. The Chikungunya virus also possesses a distinctive capsid structure that enables it to invade host cells efficiently. Its spherical shape contains numerous spikes protruding from its surface, aiding in attachment and entry into target cells. Similarly, Turnip yellow mosaic virus showcases a unique architecture with T-shaped protrusions on its surface. These play a vital role in recognizing specific receptors on host cells during infection. The Hepatitis B virus exhibits an icosahedral capsid structure composed of repeating subunits arranged symmetrically around a central axis. This molecular model provides valuable insights into how this virus evades immune responses and persists within infected individuals. Infectious bursal disease virus presents yet another captivating capsid structure characterized by elongated fibers extending from its surface. These fibers aid in receptor recognition and subsequent cell entry during infection. Sindbis virus boasts an elegant molecular model showcasing an icosahedral symmetry with prominent spikes decorating its outer shell. These spikes are essential for binding to host cell receptors and initiating viral replication processes. Murine polyomavirus displays a spherical capsid structure enclosing its genome tightly packed inside. The precise organization of proteins forming this protective shell ensures successful transmission between hosts. Brome mosaic virus exhibits an unusual rod-like morphology consisting of stacked discs forming helical arrays within the viral particle's interior space. This unique capsid structure enables efficient packaging of its RNA genome.