Congregation of orthopoxvirus virions in cytoplasmic A-type inclusions is mediated by interactions of a bridging protein (A26p) with a matrix protein (ATIp) and a virion membrane-associated protein (A27p).

Some orthopoxviruses, e.g., the cowpox, ectromelia, and raccoonpox viruses, form large, discrete cytoplasmic inclusions within which mature virions (MVs) are embedded by a process called occlusion. These inclusions, which may protect occluded MVs in the environment, are composed of aggregates of the A-type inclusion protein (ATIp), which is truncated in orthopoxviruses such as vaccinia virus (VACV) and variola virus that fail to form inclusions. In addition to an intact ATIp, occlusion requires the A26 protein (A26p). Although VACV contains a functional A26p, determined by complementation of a cowpox virus occlusion-defective mutant, its role in occlusion was unknown. We found that restoration of the full-length ATI gene was sufficient for VACV inclusion formation and the ensuing occlusion of MVs. A26p was present in inclusions even when virion assembly was inhibited, suggesting a direct interaction of A26p with ATIp. Analysis of a panel of ATIp mutants indicated that the C-terminal repeat region was required for inclusion formation and the N-terminal domain for interaction with A26p and occlusion. A26p is tethered to MVs via interaction with the A27 protein (A27p); A27p was not required for association of A26p with ATIp but was necessary for occlusion. In addition, the C-terminal domain of A26p, which mediates A26p-A27p interactions, was necessary but insufficient for occlusion. Taken together, the data suggest a model for occlusion in which A26p has a bridging role between ATIp and A27p, and A27p provides a link to the MV membrane.