Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026

11:28
Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus
Published on: October 7, 2011
Molecular interactions between retroviruses and herpesviruses
1Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tokyo, Japan.
The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Herpesviruses commonly activate retroviral gene expression, despite diverse mechanisms. This review explores molecular interactions in human, avian, and feline systems to explain this common activation theme.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Herpesviruses are known to stimulate gene expression in various human and animal retroviruses.
- This activation is a recurring phenomenon across different species and viral families.
- Understanding the molecular basis for this interaction is crucial for virology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the common theme of herpesvirus-induced retroviral gene expression.
- To explore the molecular interactions underlying this phenomenon.
- To compare diverse retroviral systems activated by herpesviruses.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of molecular interactions.
- Review of three key examples: human immunodeficiency virus/human herpesviruses, avian retroviruses/Marek's disease virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus/feline herpesvirus type I.
Main Results:
- Herpesviruses consistently activate retroviral gene expression through various molecular pathways.
- Despite mechanistic differences, a common theme of activation persists.
- Specific molecular interactions vary but lead to a similar outcome of enhanced retroviral activity.
Conclusions:
- Herpesvirus-retrovirus interactions represent a significant area in viral pathogenesis.
- Comparative molecular studies reveal conserved and divergent mechanisms of activation.
- Further research into these interactions could offer insights into viral co-infections and therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Retroviruses
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...

