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Published on: July 15, 2019
Selection of HSV capsids for envelopment involves interaction between capsid surface components pUL31, pUL17, and
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) capsids with DNA are preferentially enveloped during nuclear egress. This study identifies a specific protein interaction that ensures only infectious viral particles are assembled.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) nuclear egress involves capsid envelopment at the inner nuclear membrane.
- Preferential envelopment of DNA-containing capsids (C capsids) over DNA-lacking capsids is crucial for efficient viral replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the molecular interactions governing the preferential envelopment of C capsids during HSV nuclear egress.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which only potentially infectious viral particles are assembled.
Main Methods:
- Coimmunoprecipitation assays were used to detect protein-protein interactions.
- Biochemical analyses were performed on wild-type and mutant HSV capsids.
- Expression levels of key viral proteins were manipulated to assess interaction dependencies.
Main Results:
- An interaction was identified between the C capsid-specific complex (CCSC), composed of pUL17/pUL25, and pUL31, a component of the nuclear egress complex (NEC).
- This interaction is dependent on the expression of pUL17, pUL25, and pUL31.
- The interaction occurs independently of pUL34 and the US3 kinase, which phosphorylates pUL31 and pUL34.
Conclusions:
- The interaction between the CCSC and pUL31 within the NEC facilitates the selective envelopment of DNA-containing capsids.
- This mechanism conserves viral resources by ensuring that only capsids with the potential to become infectious are assembled and enveloped.
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