N:G215C virions are enlarged and show over-incorporation of N protein. Vero-TMPRSS2 cells were infected with WT (left) or N:G215C (right) viruses at an MOI of 0.1. The following day cells were prepared for electron microscopy by high-pressure freezing and freeze-substitution, then sectioned and imaged by dual-axis electron tomography. Virus-containing exit compartments were located in both samples, and virions that had completely separated from cellular membranes were selected and analyzed in 3D in order to determine the structure of intact virions and the arrangement of internal ribonucleoprotein complexes.
Non-spike protein mutations in #SARSCoV2, likely to impact viral properties, are understudied. @brucelab.bsky.social show that a #nucleocapsid protein mutation in Delta variant enhances viral growth in vitro & in vivo by increasing viral genome #encapsidation @plosbiology.org 🧪 plos.io/4iBYsaI