Major capsid protein

UniProtKB accession:  P03713

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UniProtKB description:  Assembles to form an icosahedral capsid with a T=7 symmetry. The icosahedral capsid is about 60 nm in diameter and composed of 415 major capsid proteins. The assembly is primed by the interaction between capsid assembly protease and portal dodecamer, and major capsid proteins assemble cooperatively to form the procapsid with the help of capsid scaffolding protein. Major capsid protein forms hexons and pentons of the icosahedron. Viral genomic DNA is packaged into the procapsid through the portal vertex (By similarity). The packaging triggers a dramatic reconfiguration of the capsid shell, expanding from roughly 50nm to 60nm while the capsid thickness decreases. The capsid decoration protein binds the expanded capsid and stabilizes it.