The first crystal structure for an arenavirus nucleoprotein is solved, revealing some new functions. The C-terminal domain has 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity, and it is confirmed that Lassa virus nucleoprotein is capable of cleaving short RNAs and suppressing virus-induced interferon induction. The N-terminal domain contains a unique cap-binding feature, which has implications for understanding the distinctive cap-snatching mechanism of arenaviruses.
- Xiaoxuan Qi
- Shuiyun Lan
- Changjiang Dong
