DNA-controlled aggregation of virus like particles - mimicking a tetherin-like mechanism

Mimicking cellular processes by functional comparable structures helps to understand their molecular mechanism. We report on an oligonucleotide modified with two alpha-tocopherol anchors mimicking tetherin, a cellular protein reducing spreading of viruses. The lipophilic DNA was incorporated into vesicles and virus like particles; their aggregation was induced by the complement addition.