Herpesviruses

Definition

Herpesviruses are a large family of DNA viruses that cause diseases in animals and humans. They have double-stranded DNA genomes and exhibit latency, meaning they can remain dormant within the host cells before reactivating.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Herpesviruses have an icosahedral capsid surrounded by a tegument layer and an envelope with glycoprotein spikes.
2. The herpesvirus genome is linear double-stranded DNA, which can circularize inside the host cell nucleus.
3. There are eight human herpesviruses, including HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, and KSHV.
4. Herpesviruses replicate within the nucleus of infected cells using host machinery for transcription and replication.
5. Latency is a hallmark of herpesvirus infection; the viral genome persists in specific host cells without producing new virions until reactivation.

Review Questions

• What structural components make up herpesviruses?
• How does the herpesvirus genome behave inside the host cell nucleus?
• Name three examples of human herpesviruses.

Related terms

Virus Latency: A dormant state of a virus within a host cell where it does not produce new virions.

Capsid: The protein shell surrounding the viral genome.

Glycoprotein Spikes: Protein structures on the surface of enveloped viruses that facilitate entry into host cells.