Based on PDB code 7KV8, this is the structure of dengue virus (DENV), a member of the RNA flavivirus family. This structure is part of a study to help solve the structures of flaviviruses, including new strains of DENV, Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). These are spread in tropical regions by mosquitos and ticks. Solving these structures help drive efforts for new vaccines against these diseases.
We have made two related models of the virus to illustrate the capsid structure:
The first model shows the complete spherical virus and how the capsid shell is composed of 180 copies of the envelope (E) and membrane (M) proteins, arranged to form a spherical icosahedral virus particle. The lipid envelope surrounding the capsid is not shown. This 6.5 cm model is 1.3 million times larger than the 50 nm diameter of the virus and comes with a removable display stand.
The second model shows a zoom-in of one of the twelve repeating symmetric units that make up the smooth spherical capsid shell. Each unit has fifteen copies of the envelope (E) and membrane (M) proteins, arranged to form a tessellating star shape. This 6.5 cm model is 2.2 million times larger than the 16 nm diameter of the symmetry unit, and is a free-standing model (no base).
For further enquiries, information or bespoke models, please get in touch via email at hello@molecmodels.co.uk
Please note: Some of our molecular models contain small parts not suitable for children under 3 years or any individuals who have a tendency to place inedible objects in their mouths.
