A Betabaculovirus-Encoded gp64 Homolog Codes for a Functional Envelope Fusion Protein

Abstract

The GP64 envelope fusion protein is a hallmark of group I alphabaculoviruses. However, the Diatraea saccharalis granulovirus genome sequence revealed the first betabaculovirus species harboring a gp64 homolog ( disa118 ). In this work, we have shown that this homolog encodes a functional envelope fusion protein and could enable the infection and fusogenic abilities of a gp64 -null prototype baculovirus. Therefore, GP64 may complement or may be in the process of replacing F protein activity in this virus lineage.