Herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein B sorting in hippocampal neurons

Area of Science:

• Neurovirology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neuroinvasive pathogen.
• Understanding HSV-1 spread in the nervous system requires knowledge of component sorting in neurons.
• HSV-1 neuroinvasion mechanisms depend on the precise localization of viral proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the subcellular localization and transport of HSV-1 glycoprotein B (gB) in infected neurons.
• To determine the role of gB in the neuroinvasive spread of HSV-1.
• To elucidate the function of the gB cytoplasmic tail in viral protein trafficking.

Main Methods:

• Utilized recombinant HSV-1 expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged gB in cultured hippocampal neurons.
• Visualized gB subcellular localization using fluorescence microscopy.
• Analyzed the impact of GFP insertion site on gB maturation and transport.

Main Results:

• HSV-1 glycoprotein B (gB) is transported separately from capsids in neuronal processes.
• gB is sorted to both dendritic trees and axons in polarized hippocampal neurons.
• GFP insertion into the gB cytoplasmic tail resulted in ER retention and impaired axonal transport.

Conclusions:

• The cytoplasmic tail of HSV-1 gB is essential for its proper maturation and transport.
• gB sorting to neuronal processes, including axons, is dependent on its cytoplasmic tail.
• These findings provide insights into HSV-1 neuroinvasion and neuronal trafficking pathways.