Structural and Functional Hallmarks of Sindbis Virus Proteins: From Virion Architecture to Pathogenesis

Background: Sindbis virus (SINV), the prototype alphavirus (family Togaviridae), is a globally distributed arbovirus causing febrile rash and debilitating arthritis in humans. The viral structural proteins-Capsid (C), E1, and E2-are fundamental to virion architecture, mediating all stages from assembly to host cell entry and pathogenesis, thus representing critical targets for study. Summary: This review consolidates the historical and current understanding of SINV structural biology, tracing progress from early microscopy to recent high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography. We detail the virion’s precise T=4 icosahedral architecture, composed of a nucleocapsid core and an outer glycoprotein shell. Key functional roles tied to protein structure are examined: the Capsid’s dual capacity as a serine protease and an RNA-packaging scaffold that interacts with the E2 cytoplasmic tail; the E1 glycoprotein’s function as a class II fusion protein driving membrane merger; and the E2 glycoprotein’s primary role in receptor binding, which dictates cellular tropism and serves as the main antigenic target. Furthermore, we connect these molecular structures to viral evolution and disease, analyzing how genetic variation among SINV genotypes, particularly in the E2 gene, influences host adaptation, immune evasion, and the clinical expression of arthritogenic and neurovirulent disease. Conclusions: In conclusion, the wealth of structural data on SINV offers a powerful paradigm for understanding alphavirus biology. However, critical gaps persist, including the high-resolution visualization of dynamic conformational states during viral entry and the specific molecular determinants of chronic disease. Addressing these challenges through integrative structural and functional studies is paramount. Such knowledge will be indispensable for the rational design of next-generation antiviral therapies and broadly protective vaccines against the ongoing threat posed by SINV and related pathogenic alphaviruses.