Cell entry of the orthobunyavirus Germiston virus

Orthobunyaviruses (OBVs), which include La Crosse, Oropouche, and Schmallenberg viruses, represent a growing threat to humans and domestic animals worldwide. Little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which OBVs enter and infect host cells. Here, we developed accurate, sensitive tools and assays to investigate the penetration process of the orthobunyavirus GERV. Our data emphasize the central role of late endosomal maturation in GERV entry, providing a comprehensive overview of the early stages of an OBV infection. Our study also brings a complete toolbox of innovative methods to study each step of the OBV entry program in fixed and living cells, from virus binding and endocytosis to fusion and penetration.

Read all about the results in the article published in Journal of Virology (March 9^th, 2022)