Characterization of VP22 in herpes simplex virus-infected cells

Mouzakitis, G., McLauchlan, J. , Barreca, C., Kueltzo, L. and O'Hare, P. (2005) Characterization of VP22 in herpes simplex virus-infected cells. Journal of Virology, 79(19), pp. 12185-12198. (doi: 10.1128/JVI.79.19.12185-12198.2005)

Abstract

We examine biochemical characteristics of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) tegument protein VP22 by gel filtration, glycerol sedimentation, and chemical cross-linking experiments and use time course radiolabeling and immunoprecipitation assays to analyze its synthesis and interaction with other infected-cell proteins. VP22 was expressed as a delayed early protein with optimal synthesis requiring DNA replication. In immunoprecipitation assays, VP22 was found in association with several additional proteins including VP16 and a kinase activity likely to be that of UL13. Furthermore, in sizing chromatography experiments, VP22 was present in several higher-order complexes in infected cells. From gel filtration analysis the major form of VP22 migrated with a molecular mass of approximately 160 kDa, consistent with its presence as a tetramer, or a dimer complexed with other proteins, with a fraction of the protein migrating at larger molecular mass. In vitro-synthesized VP22 sedimented in a size range consistent with a mixture of tetramers and dimers. Short N- or C-terminal deletions resulted in migration almost exclusively as dimers, indicating that VP22, in the absence of additional virus-encoded proteins, could form higher-order assemblies, most likely tetramers, but that both N-and C-terminal determinants were required for stabilizing such assemblies. Consistent with this we found that isolated proteins encompassing either the N-terminal or C-terminal region of VP22 sedimented as dimers, and that the purified C-terminal domain could be cross-linked into dimeric structures. These results are discussed with regard to possible virus and host interactions involved in VP22 recruitment into virus particles.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McLauchlan, Professor John
• Authors: Mouzakitis, G., McLauchlan, J., Barreca, C., Kueltzo, L., and O'Hare, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: Journal of Virology
• Journal Abbr.: J. Virol.
• ISSN: 0022-538X
• ISSN (Online): 1098-5514