The UL14 protein of herpes simplex virus type 2 translocates the minor capsid protein VP26 and the DNA cleavage and packaging UL33 protein into the nucleus of coexpressing cells

The herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) gene UL14 encodes a 32 kDa protein which is a minor component of the virion tegument and is expressed late in infection. The UL14 protein shows varied localization patterns in HSV-2-inf ected and singly expressing cells, suggesting the possibility that it is mu ltifunctional, We have investigated the influence of the UL14 protein on th e intracellular localization of capsid proteins and DNA cleavage and packag ing proteins in coexpressing cells. VP26 is the minor capsid protein; it bi nds to herons of the outer capsid shell and is predominantly cytoplasmic up on sole expression. We have found that VP26 coexpressed with the UL14 prote in showed mutual and predominant relocation into the nucleus. At least seve n viral genes encode proteins (UL6, UL15, UL17, UL25, UL28, UL32 and UL33) that are required for DNA cleavage and packaging. We have found that the UL 33 protein, which was also cytoplasmic by sole expression, was relocated to the nucleus upon expression with the UL14 protein, which again seemed to b e a result of mutual influence. Coexpression experiments also suggested the possibility of a mutual influence between the UL14 and UL17 proteins, and the UL17 protein and VP26, Our results suggest that the UL14 protein can in fluence the intracellular localization patterns of a number of proteins bel onging to the capsid or the DNA encapsidation machinery.