HIV inner shell structure revealed

[xchrom]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-22708437


HIV escaping from a white blood cell

Researchers have for the first time unravelled the complex structure of the inner protein shell of HIV.

The US team, reporting in Nature, also worked out exactly how all the components of the shell or 'capsid' fit together at the atomic level.

Until now the exact structure had proved elusive because of the capsid's large size and irregular shape.

The finding opens the way for new types of drugs, the researchers from the University of Pittsburgh said.


Computer model of HIV capsid structure

[yesphan]

1. Facinating.

The computer model actually looks like a knitted pot holder to me.