Virus Shells Use Asymmetry to Control RNA Release and Infection

Virus shells use asymmetry to control RNA release and infection

Viruses are typically described as tiny, perfectly geometric shells that pack genetic material with mathematical precision, but new research led by scientists at Penn State reveals a deliberate imbalance in their shape that helps them infect their hosts.

Scientists found that a virus uses one tiny chemical bond to deliberately unbalance its shell, allowing it to release its genetic material faster once inside a cell. This insight reveals a key viral trick and could guide the development of new antivirals,