VIRION
Enveloped, bullet shaped. About 50 nm in diameter, 350 nm long
GENOME
Negative-stranded RNA linear genome, about 11 kb in size. Encodes for five to 10 proteins, including the five canonical rhabdovirus structural proteins genes, plus additional open reading frames at various positions.
GENE EXPRESSION
The viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase binds the encapsidated genome at the leader region, then sequentially transcribes each genes by recognizing start and stop signals flanking viral genes.
ENZYMES
- RNA-dependent RNA polymerase [L]
- Mononega-type capping
- RNA TPase, GTase, N7 Mtase, 2'O Mtase [L]
REPLICATION
CYTOPLASMIC
- Attachment of the viral G glycoproteins to host receptors mediates endocytosis of the virus into the host cell.
- Fusion of virus membrane with the vesicle membrane; ribonucleocapsid is released into the cytoplasm.
- Sequential transcription , viral mRNAs are capped and polyadenylated by polymerase stuttering in the cytoplasm.
- Replication presumably starts when enough nucleoprotein is present to encapsidate neo-synthetized antigenomes and genomes.
- The ribonucleocapsid binds to the matrix protein and buds, releasing new virions.