The Herpes viruses are responsible for many human diseases. All Herpes viruses possess a proteinaceous layer termed tegument which lines the inner surface of their envelope. Correct assembly of tegument and envelope is essential for the production of an infectious viral particle, and thus for the progression of disease. However, little is known of how tegument proteins recognize and bind to specific cellular membranes, nor how they ensure their assembly into the maturing virion. The first part of this proposal will investigate the biochemistry of the Herpes simplex virus (HSV) protein vhs, a component of the HSV tegument. We have previously identified several biochemically distinct forms of vhs in infected cells. We will now investigate the relationship between these molecules and determine their importance for assembly of vhs into tegument. Next, we will dissect the molecular mechanism by which vhs binds to intracellular membranes. Finally, we have successfully isolated primary enveloped HSV particles from the perinuclear space. We will study the composition and function of tegument in these HSV assembly intermediates.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
High Priority, Short Term Project Award (R56)
Project #
1R56AI061578-01A1
Application #
7090988
Study Section
Virology - A Study Section (VIRA)
Program Officer
Beisel, Christopher E
Project Start
2005-08-15
Project End
2007-08-14
Budget Start
2005-08-15
Budget End
2007-08-14
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$288,896
Indirect Cost
Name
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
110521739
City
Bronx
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10461