Molecular insights into nucleocapsid assembly and transport in Marburg and Ebola viruses

Abstract

Live-cell imaging enables visualization of the spatiotemporal dynamics of signals in cells. The intracytoplasmic movement of nucleocapsids is crucial during the lifecycle of enveloped viruses, but the molecular mechanisms governing their assembly and transport are not fully understood. Using a MARV live-cell imaging system, we identified three nucleocapsid proteins--NP, VP35, and VP24--that are necessary and sufficient to form transport-competent nucleocapsid-like structures (NCLSs). These findings are consistent with observations in Ebola virus (EBOV). Interestingly, despite incompatibility among these proteins, VP30 interacts with nucleocapsid proteins from both MARV and EBOV, supporting viral transcription and replication in heterologous systems. Furthermore, we show that the conserved PPxPxY motif at the C-terminus of NP regulates NP-VP30 interactions in both homologous and heterologous contexts, and is crucial for VP30 association with NCLSs. Because this motif is conserved across filoviruses, it represents a promising target for antiviral development. Our findings advance the understanding of nucleocapsid formation and offer new avenues for therapeutic intervention against MARV and EBOV.