Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Herpesviruses are widely distributed in nature, causing disease in organisms as diverse as bivalves and primates, including humans. Each virus appears to have established a long-standing relationship with its host, and the viruses have the ability to manipulate and control the metabolism of host cells, as well as innate and adaptive antiviral immune responses. Herpesviruses maintain themselves within hosts in a latent state resulting in virus persistence for years - usually for the life span of the hosts. Herpesviruses comprise a large number of pathogens with diverse cellular targets and biological consequences of infection. What they have in common is their structure and the fact that they establish a dormant (latent) infection in their hosts that usually persists for life. The reviews here will highlight the general principles of herpesvirus infection, with equal attention to overall principle and important difference. Also, the cell type- and life-style dependent differences in the establishment and maintenance of virus persistence will be covered.
Synopsis
Initial contact: The first steps in herpesvirus entry.- Herpesvirus capsid assembly and DNA packaging.- Interindividual spread of herpesviruses.- Innate immune mechanisms and herpes simplex virus infection and disease.- Herpesvirus latency. On the importance of positioning oneself.- The human CMV IE1 protein: An offender of PML nuclear bodies.- Assembly and egress of an alphaherpesvirus clockwork.- Herpes simplex virus membrane fusion.