Cryo-EM structure of the vaccinia virus entry fusion complex reveals a multicomponent fusion machinery

Sci Adv. 2026 Jan 16;12(3):eaec0254. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aec0254. Epub 2026 Jan 14.

Abstract

Membrane fusion is essential for viral entry. Unlike class I-III fusion proteins, vaccinia virus (VACV) uses a multicomponent entry fusion complex (EFC). Using cryo-electron microscopy, we determined the full-length structure of the VACV EFC at near-atomic resolution, revealing a 15-protein asymmetric assembly organized into three layers. The central A16/G9/J5 heterotrimer forms the fusion core, stabilized by conserved PXXCW and Delta motifs, and anchors two A28/H2 adaptor dimers linked to peripheral G3/L5/A21/O3 scaffolds. Structural and evolutionary analyses identify a conserved N-terminal domain in A16 containing a myristoyl-binding pocket and a phenylalanine-rich region that stabilizes the trimer and may regulate lipid engagement. An additional component, F9, binds peripherally to J5, A21, and H2 through Delta-like motifs, reinforcing the prefusion architecture. Together, these results define the VACV EFC as a unique multiprotein fusion machinery and provide a structural framework for understanding the mechanism of poxvirus entry and membrane fusion.

MeSH terms

  • Cryoelectron Microscopy*
  • Humans
  • Membrane Fusion
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Vaccinia virus* / physiology
  • Vaccinia virus* / ultrastructure
  • Viral Fusion Proteins* / chemistry
  • Viral Fusion Proteins* / metabolism
  • Virus Internalization*

Substances

  • Viral Fusion Proteins