Structural highlights
FunctionPublication Abstract from PubMedBorna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) is a neurotropic pathogen that causes severe, often fatal encephalitis, yet effective treatments remain unavailable. As a nuclear-replicating mononegavirus, BoDV-1 employs a minimal L-P polymerase complex. Here, we report cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the BoDV-1 polymerase in L-alone, apo-L-P, and inhibitor-bound L-P states, revealing the most compact L protein characterized among mononegaviruses. While the catalytic core is conserved, the C-terminal domains are degenerate, with the methyltransferase-like (MTase-like) domain lacking canonical functional motifs. We identify an N-terminal autoinhibitory element (AIE) that is positioned to physically block the template entry tunnel, suggesting an autoinhibition mechanism reminiscent of a "molecular plug." Furthermore, we demonstrate that the inhibitor suramin binds in a specific triple-molecule mode, potentially achieving inhibition by sterically occluding RNA access and allosterically restricting the catalytic core. These findings elucidate the architecture and regulation of the BoDV-1 polymerase, providing a structural framework for rational antiviral design. Structural mechanism of Borna disease virus 1 RNA polymerase autoinhibition and suramin-mediated inhibition.,Yang K, Wu H, Liang Z, Zou J, Ma J Cell Rep. 2026 May 28;45(6):117462. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117462. PMID:42213784[1] From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. References
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This page was last modified 15:19, 10 June 2026.