Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
Herpes simplex virus turns off the TAP to evade host immunity
1Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139-4307, USA.
Abstract:
Many viruses have evolved mechanisms to avoid detection by the host immune system. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) expresses an immediate early protein, ICP47, which blocks presentation of viral peptides to MHC class I-restricted cells. The properties of the newly synthesized class I molecules in HSV-infected cells resemble those of cell lines deficient in the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) in that class I molecules are retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, and the heavy chain and beta 2-microglobulin subunits dissociate in detergent extracts but the complex can be stabilized by peptides. We show here that ICP47 binds to TAP and prevents peptide translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Viruses with RNA Genomes
Herpes
Genital Herpes
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

