SIFV virions assemble inside the cell. Binding of the major capsid protein dimers to the linear dsDNA genome lead to the assembly of nucleocapsids, which are subsequently enveloped intracellularly through an unknown mechanism. SIFV and probably other lipothrixviruses are lytic viruses. Virion release takes place through pyramidal portals, referred to as virus-associated pyramids (VAPs). Unlike in the case of some other archaeal viruses (e.g.,
rudiviruses and
turriviruses), the SIFV VAPs have a hexagonal base (i.e., constructed from six triangular facets). The VAPs can be as large as 220 nm at the base and are constructed from a single SIFV-encoded protein of 89 aa. Expression of this protein in
E. coli leads to VAP formation in the inner bacterial membrane. ==References==