Herpes Flashcards
HSV-1
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (cold sores)
HSV-2
Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (genital sores)
EBV
Epstein Barr Virus (mono)
CMV aka HCMV
Human Cytomegalovirus
VZV
Varicella Zoster Virus
HHV-6
Human Herpes Virus 6
HHV-7
Human Herpes Virus 7
HHV-8
Human Herpes Virus 8
aka Kaposi’s Sacroma virus
Who does herpes infect?
Everyone and everything! Including shellfish
General Characteristics of Herpes Viruses
Large viruses
Enveloped
Icosahedral “capsid” or “nucleocapsid” dsDNA - linear- 125-230 kb
Pleomorphic
Tegument is between the envelop and the capsid and contains viral proteins that assist viral replication;
delivered into the cell at the time of the infection and tweak the cell in various ways primarily deciding whether the virus is productively infected or latent.
Herpes Virus Replication
tend to replicate in non-replicating cells (cells that are not dividing)
Herpes viruses replicate in the cell’s nucleus
The viral genome is transcribed by the cellular DNA-dependent RNA polymerase and is regulated by viral-encoded and cellular nuclear factors. So that decision between latency or activity is made by an interplay between viral factors and cellular factors!
During symptomatic infection, herpes simplex viruses and VZV replicate in a lytic manner - the cells die and skin lesions are formed.
Latent infection is established in specific cell types and only a small number of viral genes are expressed.
Virus is later reactivated, virions are made and lytic replication results, with attendant symptoms.
Antiviral Drug Target
Thymidine kinase
NOTE
Herpes viruses encode their own DNA polymerase and thymidine kinase (as well as other proteins that increase nucleotide levels in cells)
to assist in the replication of viral genome in non-replicating cells such as neurons.
Immune Avoidance
Cell to cell spread - via contact between cells - evades antibodies
Latency - immune system cannot “see” the virus if no RNA or proteins are being made
Immune Response
T cell responses are primarily responsible for resolving initial infection. Antibodies can protect from acquiring infection - VZV vaccine.
The course of disease is often very different in the immune-compromised.
HSV-1 Replicates and sets up latency where?
Trigeminal Ganglia
HSV-2 Replicates and sets up latency where?
Sacral Ganglia