Schematic representation of the B19V capsid structural transitions during inactivation. The first structural rearrangements observed following mild heat or low pH treatments of B19V is the externalization of N-VP1 sequences, including the PLA2 motif and the accessibility of the viral DNA. At higher temperatures or more acidic conditions, the viral DNA is dissociated from the capsid. Finally, the viral particle is disintegrated.

This work was carried out in the group of Prof. Christoph Kempf.