Wohlanf T

A Funneled Conformational Landscape Governs Flavivirus Fusion Peptide Interaction with Lipid Membranes.

During host cell infection by flaviviruses such as dengue and Zika, acidic pH within the endosome triggers a conformational change in the envelope protein on the outer surface of the virion. This results in exposure of the ∼15 residue fusion peptide (FP) region, freeing it to induce fusion between the viral and endosomal membranes.