牛津大学研究团队利用质量光度法技术，首次直接观察到病毒样颗粒在分子水平的逐个组装过程，发现病毒蛋白质通过试错机制和稳定中间结构能够精确自我组装。1研究对象为由60个蛋白质单位组成的工程病毒样颗粒，研究成果已发表在《Nature》杂志2026年657卷(8132期)。1
关键发现表明，五个较大蛋白质组件连接形成的五边形环是第一个高度稳定的结构。1五边形环形成后，整个组装过程的速度会大幅加快。1研究员Roi Asor指出："病毒必须解决非凡的构建问题。其组件必须在没有蓝图或机制指导的情况下找到正确的排列方式。"1这项研究使科学家能够在分子水平上直接观察并追踪单个病毒颗粒的生长，有望用于开发新型抗病毒药物和改进疫苗。1
Researchers at Oxford University have directly observed the molecular assembly process of virus-like particles for the first time, discovering how viral proteins can precisely self-assemble through trial-and-error mechanisms and stable intermediate structures.1 Using mass photometry technology, the team tracked the step-by-step buildup of engineered viral particles composed of 60 protein units, revealing that pentagonal rings formed by five larger protein components represent the first highly stable structure that emerges during assembly.1 Once this critical pentagonal ring forms, the subsequent assembly process accelerates significantly.1
The research, published in Nature in 2026, addresses a fundamental puzzle in virology.1 As Dr. Roi Asor explained, "Viruses must solve an extraordinary construction problem. Their components must find the correct arrangement without a blueprint or guiding mechanism."1 By enabling direct observation of molecular-level particle growth, the new approach allows scientists to track individual particles as they form and understand the dynamics that drive self-organization in complex biological systems.1 These findings could inform the development of novel antiviral drugs and improvements to vaccine design.1
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