[The functions of alpha herpesvirus gene products]

Herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1), type 2(HSV-2) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) belong to alphaherpesvirus family. These herpesviruses have large DNA genomes which contain at least 69 genes. These viral genes are divided into two groups based on whether they are essential or dispensable for virus growth in cell culture. The essential gene products include transcriptional factor, viral DNA replication, DNA cleavage/packaging and virion components, while the dispensable gene products include deoxyribonucleotides metabolism, protein kinases, tegument proteins. This article briefly reviews the functions of alphaherpesvirus gene products, particularly roles of viral encoded protein kinases, tegument proteins and host immune evasion.