Heterologous Encapsidation (Transcapsidation)

Creation of "new" viruses by surrounding one virus with the envelope protein of another virus

Heterologous encapsidation (transcapsidation) is a natural process that can occur when plants are co-infected by different strains of viruses.

This process has also been observed under laboratory conditions for transgenic, virus-resistant plants that produce viral envelope (capsid) proteins.

Since envelope proteins are responsible for virus transmission (e.g. by insects like aphids), heterologous encapsidation can change a virus' mode of transmission. This could enable animals to transmit plant viruses in ways that were not previously possible.

Heterologous encapsidation is only effective for one virus generation. Because the virus genome is not modified, the original envelope proteins will produced by the next generation.