A paper by Ms. Yasukochi, a second-year doctoral student, on intracellular inclusion bodies formed during Nipah virus infection has been accepted for publication in an international scientific journal.

Nipah virus produces two types of non-membranous inclusion bodies inside infected cells, each with distinct properties. In this study, we identified which combinations of viral proteins are required to form these structures. The fluid, liquid-like inclusion bodies where viral RNA synthesis occurs are generated through the coordinated action of the N and P proteins. In contrast, the less fluid, more gel-like inclusion bodies involved in viral particle formation require the additional presence of the M protein. These findings reveal how the virus skillfully creates functionally distinct inclusion bodies to support its replication.

Yasukochi M, Hosogi M, Kitai Y, Akahori Y, Ryo A, Takeda M, Katoh H. Coordinated interactions among Nipah virus N, P, and M proteins drive formation of distinct inclusion bodies. J Gen Virol.