Question

(a) Where are HSV tegument proteins located in the viral particle?

(b) List the names and functions of two key tegument proteins.

(c) Why is it necessary that the virus package both of these proteins within the viral particle?

(d) Is the viral polymerase packaged in the particle?

Answer 1

A tegument can also be called as the matrix and is made up of a group of proteins.

A. In the herpes simplex virus the tegument lies in the space between the nucleocapsid and the envelope.

B. There are about 20 proteins that forms the tegument is the herpes simplex virus. The two key proteins are: VP1/2 (UL36) and VP16 (UL48).

Functions: UL36: it is situated in the deepest layer of the tegument. It is attached to caspid vertices and it mainly interconnects with the caspid protein VP5. Also, it frequently forms a cap which is asymmetrical in nature between the caspid and the outer envelope.

UL48: it is present in both the inner as well as the outer layer of the tegument. It interconnects with the cytoplasmic tail, a part of the glycoprotein gH. It is one of the very essential structural constituent playing structural roles.

C. It is very important for the virus to package both of these proteins within the viral particles because of the various roles they play within the particle such as: transportation of the caspid during its entry and the exit, aiming the caspid towards the nucleus, it helps in the directive of transcription, translation and apoptosis, DNA replication etc.

D. Yes viral polymerase is packaged inside the viral particles.