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Regulation of viral and cellular gene expression in sensory neurons
1Division of Molecular Pathology, University College London Medical School.
Gene Therapy
|January 1, 1994
Abstract:
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes latent infections of neuronal cells but replicates readily in other cell types. This effect is dependent upon the presence of the inhibitory cellular transcription factor Oct-2 in neuronal cells. This factor inhibits the viral immediate-early gene promoters by at least two distinct mechanisms. The significance of Oct-2 in regulating viral and cellular gene expression in sensory neurons is discussed.
Insights
Herpes simplex virus latency in neurons depends on the transcription factor Oct-2, which inhibits viral gene expression. This factor
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes lifelong latent infections.
- HSV replicates efficiently in non-neuronal cells but establishes latency in neurons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the cellular transcription factor Oct-2 in regulating HSV gene expression.
- To understand the mechanisms by which Oct-2 influences HSV latency in neuronal cells.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of HSV immediate-early gene promoter activity.
- Investigation of Oct-2 binding and inhibitory functions in neuronal cells.
Main Results:
- Oct-2 is present in neuronal cells and inhibits HSV immediate-early gene promoters.
- Oct-2 employs at least two distinct mechanisms to suppress viral gene expression.
- The presence of Oct-2 correlates with HSV latency in neurons.
Conclusions:
- Oct-2 plays a critical role in restricting HSV replication and establishing latency in sensory neurons.
- Understanding Oct-2's inhibitory mechanisms offers insights into viral latency and potential therapeutic targets.