What is "polyhedrin"

n. (context protein English) A protein that forms the crystalline matrix of viral polyhedral body

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.

They occur in various viruses including Nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) and Granulovirus (GV). GV is singly enveloped and have one virus particle per occlusion. This is while NPVs have the potential to package multiple virus genomes in an occlusion. The occlusion bodies are usually formed in nucleus of virus infected cells approximately 2 days after the infection.