HSV MOLECULAR-BIOLOGY - GENERAL-ASPECTS OF HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS MOLECULAR-BIOLOGY

Comparison of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) DNA sequence wit h that of other alpha, beta and gamma-herpesviruses, allied with molec ular genetic studies have greatly increased understanding of the HSV g enome and the functions encoded by individual virus genes and has faci litated the development of rational antiviral strategies. Here we revi ew the coding content of the HSV-1 genome and identify: genes encoding structural components of the capsid, tegument or envelope; genes whos e products are essential for growth in tissue culture; and genes that are conserved between members of the alpha, beta and gamma-herpesvirin ae. The HSV lifecycle and the main regulation cascade is discussed and genes that present targets for antiviral intervention identified. The protein content of the infectious virion particle is reviewed and com pared with that of two additional non-infectious HSV-related particles species (L-particles and pre-DNA replication particles (PREPs)). The potential of HSV-I I, particles and PREP particles as DNA-free HSV-1 v accine candidates and the desirability of deleting specific gene produ cts from live HSV vaccines is discussed.