Poliovirus virion (PV)

The poliovirus virion is the infectious particle of the poliovirus, a member of the Enterovirus genus within the Picornaviridae family (UniProt, P03300). It is a non-enveloped, icosahedral virus composed of a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome encased in a protein capsid consisting of four structural proteins: VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4 (StatPearls, 2023). The virion is the primary target for immunization strategies, where inactivated or attenuated forms (antigens) are used to elicit a protective immune response by generating neutralizing antibodies that block viral attachment to the host's CD155 receptor (CDC, 2023). In addition to vaccines, the virion capsid is a target for small-molecule antivirals known as capsid binders, which occupy a hydrophobic pocket in the VP1 protein to stabilize the virion and prevent the uncoating process necessary for RNA release (PubMed, 28835488). Poliovirus is the causative agent of poliomyelitis, a debilitating disease that can lead to acute flaccid paralysis by destroying motor neurons in the spinal cord (WHO, 2022).

Other names

PoliovirusEnterovirus CPV1PV2PV3Poliovirus antigen

Vaccines utilize viral antigens to induce neutralizing antibodies that bind to the capsid and prevent cell entry (CDC, 2023). Capsid-binding antivirals like Pocapavir bind to the VP1 protein pocket to inhibit viral uncoating and RNA release (PubMed, 28835488).