Packaging Signal-mediated Assembly – How Viruses Outsmart Their Hosts
Abstract
The importance of the genetic code in virology is universally acknowledged. However, it is less known that viral genomes can harbour a second code, embedded within the genetic code, that orchestrates the efficient assembly and genome packaging in many viral systems. Since its discovery in a bacterial virus, the molecular details and function of this mechanism have been characterised in a broad range of viral families, including major human pathogens. This Perspective article reports on the hallmarks of this "assembly/packaging code", the journey of its discovery, and the enticing opportunities it brings both in antiviral therapy and in virus nanotechnology.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
Plant Virus Research Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Molecular Biology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 438
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 169646–169646
- Publication date
- 19 January 2026
- Language
- EN