Rotavirus structure and composition

Rotavirus is a spherical virus. The rotavirus genome consists of 11 double-stranded RNA segments that generate 6 structural proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3, VP4, VP6, and VP7) and 6 nonstructural proteins (NSP1-6). NSP5 and NSP6 are encoded by genome segment 11. Each virus particle is constructed as a triple layer coat composed of the structural proteins. The outer protein coat is made of VP4 (P) proteins and VP7 (G) proteins. The VP4 protein forms spikes on the outer coat and attaches the virion to the host cell, playing a key role in cell penetration and virulence.