Herpes simplex virus gene products: the accessories reflect her lifestyle well

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) genomic DNA contains at least 74 distinct genes. A set of 40 genes, termed the 'core genes', is commonly found in all herpesviruses; their products include four capsid proteins, six DNA replication proteins, seven DNA packaging/cleavage proteins, four envelope glycoproteins, as well as several others. Although approximately half of the HSV genes are not essential for replication in cell cultures, all accessory gene products are predicted to play indispensable roles for viral replication and dissemination in vivo. Intensive studies have been undertaken to elucidate the functions and roles of HSV gene products, and we are now able to address, at least partially, the biological aspects of all HSV encoded proteins. This article is a brief summary of our present knowledge of the functions and roles of HSV gene products with special attention focused on UL14, UL34, UL51, UL56 and US3, all of which are thought to be involved in HSV egress. Furthermore, efforts are discussed to generate replication-competent HSV lacking a single or multiple accessory gene(s) for potential use in gene therapy or as anti-cancer therapeutics. Finally, specific HSV gene products are being explored as therapeutic agents.

Enhanced therapeutic efficacy of G207 for the treatment of glioma through Musashi1 promoter retargeting of γ34.5-mediated virulence

“…[29][30][31] Since replication-defective vectors have to date failed to achieve a high degree of tumor transduction, replication-competent virus vectors appear to be attractive therapeutic agents for cancer. [32][33][34][35][36] Since the first description of a virus that was engineered to replicate selectively in dividing cells 14 years ago, 15 the field of viral therapy for cancer has significantly expanded, and at least 10 different viral species have entered clinical trials. 37 A recent development in cancer gene therapy has revolved around the use of genetically engineered, replicationconditional (oncolytic) viruses to deliver cytotoxic genes to tumor cells as well as destroy them directly via lytic infection.…”

Hepatocyte growth factor incorporated into herpes simplex virus vector accelerates facial nerve regeneration after crush injury

“…In this study, we negated its neuropathogenesis by deleting the genes encoding a4 and VP16, which are necessary for initiating viral replication, and g 1 34.5, which is a prerequisite for neuropathogenicity of HSV. 44 There are two methods for promoting regeneration of a crushed peripheral nerve using neurotrophins. One method is to apply the neurotrophins directly to the crushed nerve with bioresorbable materials, 8,45 and the other method is to transfer genes by means of viral vectors.…”

Optimal Gene Expression for Efficient Replication of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1)

“…Though the classification of viral gene is based on the expression timing after infection, the protein function of viral gene is clearly distinguished between the early and the late gene (Nishiyama, 2004). Early genes encode the enzymes contributing to the DNA replication, while late genes encode the structural proteins of the HSV-1 particle (Cann, 2000).…”