Herpesvirus DNA polymerase: Structures, functions, and mechanisms.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Herpesviruses are DNA viruses causing various diseases.
• Their replication involves a conserved two-subunit DNA polymerase, a target for antiviral drugs.
• This review focuses on herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA polymerase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structure, function, and mechanisms of HSV DNA polymerase.
• To highlight its role in viral replication and as an antiviral target.
• To discuss the contributions of its catalytic and accessory subunits.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on HSV DNA polymerase structure and function.
• Analysis of functional information on the catalytic (Pol) and accessory subunits.
• Discussion of genetic and pharmacologic tools used to study the enzyme.

Main Results:

• HSV DNA polymerase has a catalytic subunit (Pol) with polymerization and exonuclease activities.
• The accessory subunit resembles sliding clamps and interacts with Pol and DNA.
• Both subunits influence replication fidelity.
• Antiviral inhibitors are most effective against HSV and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) polymerases.

Conclusions:

• HSV DNA polymerase structure and function are well-studied but still present research questions.
• The enzyme remains an attractive target for novel antiviral drug discovery.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate all its functions and interactions.