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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2020 Oct 4.
Published in final edited form as: J Mol Biol. 2019 Mar 23;431(21):4217–4228. doi: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.03.018

Figure 3. A hierarchical model for IAV genome packaging during trafficking through the cytoplasm.

Figure 3.

Here, eight different vRNPs are shown in different colors. Upon export from the nucleus, multiple vRNPs may interact with each other to form a “core complex” for packaging. However, the identity of the initial “core complex” and the sequence of vRNP association are not clear. Three different models for vRNP transport and bundling through the cytoplasm are shown here as A, B and C. In model A, multiple “core complex” form after exit from the nucleus and these clusters associate with each other as they move towards the plasma membrane. In model B, one major type of core-complex forms after nuclear exit. As the vRNPs move towards the plasma membrane rest of the vRNPs associate with the core complex one by one before being released as progeny virions. In model C, multiple vRNP pre-complex that are formed after nuclear exit can interact with each other and exchange vRNPs among themselves.