Oxford Scientists Watch Virus-Like Particle Assemble Molecule by Molecule

Oxford researchers used mass photometry to track, in real time, how 60 protein units assemble into a virus-like particle. Assembly proceeds through weak reversible interactions and a key checkpoint — a closed pentagonal ring of five large blocks — after which growth speeds up. The study was published in Nature.

• Virus-like particle is built from 60 protein units
• Key checkpoint is a closed pentagonal ring of five blocks
• Method combines mass photometry with single-molecule confinement
• Findings could aid antiviral drugs and vaccine design