Explicit description of viral capsid subunit shapes by unfolding dihedrons

Abstract

Viral capsid assembly and the design of capsid-based nanocontainers critically depend on understanding the shapes and interfaces of constituent protein subunits. However, a comprehensive framework for characterizing these features is still lacking. Here, we introduce a novel approach based on spherical tiling theory that explicitly describes the 2D shapes and interfaces of subunits in icosahedral capsids. Our method unfolds spherical dihedrons defined by icosahedral symmetry axes, enabling systematic characterization of all possible subunit geometries. Applying this framework to real T = 1 capsid structures reveals distinct interface groups within this single classification, with variations in interaction patterns around 3-fold and 5-fold symmetry axes. We validate our classification through molecular docking simulations, demonstrating its consistency with physical subunit interactions. This analysis suggests different assembly pathways for capsid nucleation. Our general framework is applicable to other triangular numbers, paving the way for broader studies in structural virology and nanomaterial design.