Comparison of DNA polymerase activities induced by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

HSV-2-induced a salt-stimulated DNA polymerase activity in HEp-2 cells at similar levels to that induced by HSV-1 virus at multiplicites of infection from 2 to 20 PFU/cell. De novo synthesis of protein and mRNA was required for DNA polymerase induction by both types. DNA polymerase activity of three strains of each type was compared by response to various salt concentrations and by heat inactivation. Strain-dependent, but not type-dependent differences were found by both tests. Considerable cross-neutralization of polymerase activity was obtained with specific antisera. The DNA polymerase activity induced by HSV-1 and HSV-2 cannot be readily differentiated by these criteria.