The capsid and tegument of the alphaherpesviruses are linked by an interaction between the UL25 and VP1/2 proteins

J Virol. 2007 Nov;81(21):11790-7. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01113-07. Epub 2007 Aug 22.

Abstract

How alphaherpesvirus capsids acquire tegument proteins remains a key question in viral assembly. Using pseudorabies virus (PRV), we have previously shown that the 62 carboxy-terminal amino acids of the VP1/2 large tegument protein are essential for viral propagation and when transiently expressed as a fusion to green fluorescent protein relocalize to nuclear capsid assemblons following viral infection. Here, we show that localization of the VP1/2 capsid-binding domain (VP1/2cbd) into assemblons is conserved in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and that this recruitment is specifically on capsids. Using a mutant virus screen, we find that the protein product of the UL25 gene is essential for VP1/2cbd association with capsids. An interaction between UL25 and VP1/2 was corroborated by coimmunoprecipitation from cells transiently expressing either HSV-1 or PRV proteins. Taken together, these findings suggest that the essential function of the VP1/2 carboxy terminus is to anchor the VP1/2 tegument protein to capsids. Furthermore, UL25 encodes a multifunctional capsid protein involved in not only encapsidation, as previously described, but also tegumentation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alphaherpesvirinae / chemistry
  • Alphaherpesvirinae / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Capsid
  • Cell Line
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Mutation*
  • Open Reading Frames
  • Protein Binding
  • Swine
  • Vero Cells
  • Viral Core Proteins / chemistry*
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Viral Core Proteins
  • Viral Proteins
  • DNA cleavage and packaging proteins, Herpesvirus