CPV-2 VP2

Capsid protein self-assembles to form an icosahedral capsid with a T=1 symmetry, about 22 nm in diameter, and consisting of 60 copies of two size variants of the capsid proteins, VP1 and VP2, which differ by the presence of an N-terminal extension in the minor protein VP1. The capsid encapsulates the genomic ssDNA. Capsid proteins are responsible for the attachment to host cell receptor TFRC. This attachment induces virion internalization predominantly through clathrin-endocytosis. Binding to the host receptors also induces capsid rearrangements leading to surface exposure of VP1 N-terminus, specifically its phospholipase A2-like region and nuclear localization signal(s). VP1 N-terminus might serve as a lipolytic enzyme to breach the endosomal membrane during entry into host cell. Intracytoplasmic transport involves microtubules and interaction between capsid proteins and host dynein. Exposure of nuclear localization signal probably allows nuclear import of capsids