Atomic Structures of Coxsackievirus B5 Provide Key Information on Viral Evolution and Survival

Coxsackie virus B5 (CVB5), a main serotype in human Enterovirus B (EVB), can cause severe viral encephalitis and aseptic meningitis among infants and children. Currently, there is no approved vaccine or antiviral therapy available against CVB5 infection. Here, we determined the atomic structures of CVB5 in three forms: mature full (F) particle (2.73 Å), intermediate altered (A) particle (2.81 Å), and procapsid empty (E) particle (2.95 Å). Structural analysis of F particle of CVB5 unveiled similar structures of “canyon,” “puff,” and “knob” as those other EV-Bs. We observed structural rearrangements that are alike during the transition from F to A particle, indicative of similar antigenicity, cell entry, and uncoating mechanisms shared by all EV-Bs. Further comparison of structures and sequences among all structure-known EV-Bs revealed that while the residues targeted by neutralizing MAbs are diversified and drive the evolution of EV-Bs, the relative conserved residues recognized by uncoating receptors could serve as the basis for the development of antiviral vaccines and therapeutics. IMPORTANCE As one of the main serotypes in Enterovirus B, CVB5 has been commonly reported in recent years. The atomic structures of CVB5 shown here revealed classical features found in EV-Bs and the structural rearrangement occurring during particle expansion and uncoating. Also, structure- and sequence-based comparison between CVB5 and other structure-known EV-Bs screened out key domains important for viral evolution and survival. All these provide insights into the development of vaccine and therapeutics for EV-Bs.