Structure and Molecular Biology
Nipah and Hendra Viruses
Nipah and Hendra viruses have a single-stranded, nonsegmented,
negative-sense RNA genome that is fully encapsidated by protein.32
Nipah virus particles range in diameter from 120 to 500 nm,28 and
Hendra virus particles range from 40 to 600 nm.33 The paramyxovirus
envelope contains two transmembrane glycoproteins: an attachment
protein or cell receptor-binding glycoprotein (G) and a fusion protein
(F).28 Thin-section electron microscopy (EM) of infected cells reveals
filamentous nucleocapsids contained within cytoplasmic inclusions
and incorporated into virions budding from the plasma membrane.
Hendra virus has a double-fringed appearance caused by projections
on the surface of the viral envelope, whereas Nipah virus has only a
single layer of surface projections