The miRNAs of herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Virol Sin. 2012 Dec;27(6):333-8. doi: 10.1007/s12250-012-3266-5. Epub 2012 Nov 9.

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a group of common human pathogens with two serotypes HSV-1 and HSV-2. The prevalence of HSV is worldwide. It primarily infects humans through epithelial cells, when it introduces a latent infection into the nervous system. During viral latency, only a region known as the latency-associated transcript (LAT) is expressed. The discovery of HSV miRNAs helps to draw a larger picture of the infection and pathogenesis of the virus. This review summarizes miRNAs found in HSV-1 and HSV-2 so far. The functional studies of miRNAs in HSV to date indicate that they play a stage-specific role coordinated with viral proteins to maintain the virus life cycle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • RNA, Viral / genetics*
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism*
  • Simplexvirus / genetics*
  • Simplexvirus / physiology
  • Virus Latency*
  • Virus Replication*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Viral