Modeling Viral Capsid Assembly

Michael F. Hagan

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arXiv · 1301.1657

Modeling Viral Capsid Assembly

Michael F. Hagan

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Abstract

I present a review of the theoretical and computational methodologies that have been used to model the assembly of viral capsids. I discuss the capabilities and limitations of approaches ranging from equilibrium continuum theories to molecular dynamics simulations, and I give an overview of some of the important conclusions about virus assembly that have resulted from these modeling efforts. Topics include the assembly of empty viral shells, assembly around single-stranded nucleic acids to form viral particles, and assembly around synthetic polymers or charged nanoparticles for nanotechnology or biomedical applications. I present some examples in which modeling efforts have promoted experimental breakthroughs, as well as directions in which the connection between modeling and experiment can be strengthened.

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Michael F. Hagan. 2013-01-08. Modeling Viral Capsid Assembly. https://arxiv.org/abs/1301.1657

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