Polyhedrin

Polyhedrins are proteins that form the Baculovirus occlusion bodies (also known as Polyhedra), large structures that protect the virus particles from the outside environment for extended periods until they are ingested by other susceptible insect population. The structure of polyhedrin comprises multiple beta strands, three alpha helices, and two pi helices, and are often covered in a polysaccharide coat. The polysaccharide coat confers integrity to the structure of the occlusion bodies, allowing it to remain viable in the environment for up to 40-50 years.