In vitro assembly of PB2 with a PB1-PA dimer supports a new model of assembly of influenza A virus polymerase subunits into a functional trimeric complex.

Influenza virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is a heterotrimeric complex of PB1, PB2, and PA. We show that the individually expressed PB2 subunit can be assembled with the coexpressed PB1-PA dimer in vitro into a transcriptionally active complex. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a model viral RNA promoter can bind to the PB1-PA dimer prior to assembly with PB2. Our results are consistent with a recently proposed model for the sequential assembly of viral RNA polymerase complex in which the PB1-PA dimeric complex and the PB2 monomer are transported into the nucleus separately and then assembled in the nucleus.