Skip to main content

Table 1 Immune evasion genes of HSV

From: Oncolytic herpes simplex virus and immunotherapy

Gene

Protein

Function

oHSV name

UL27

gB

Part of initial attachment of the virus to the cell by binding to heparan sulfate. With gH/gL, enables fusion of the envelope with the cell membrane. Down-regulation of MHC II processing pathway in CD4+ cells.

R5141; KNE

UL44

gC

Forms the initial attachment of the virus to the cell by binding to heparan sulfate. Inactivates serum complement proteins.

R5141

US6

gD

Binds to HVeM and/or nectin-1, leading to a conformation change that initiates fusion. Down-regulates NK receptor ligand and NK-mediated lysis; inhibition of apoptosis.

R5141; R-LM249; HSV1716EGFR; KNE

RL1

ICP34.5

Major neurovirulence gene. Suppression of PKR/eIF-2a signaling pathway and IFN-induced anti-viral mechanisms; Inhibits DC maturation and antigen. Presentation; Blocks MHC class II accumulation on the cell surface; Binds to Beclin-1, inhibiting autophagy.

HSV1716; R3616; OncoVexGMCSF; G47; ΔG207; DM33;

RL2

ICP0

Blocks NF-κB-mediated transcription of immunomodulatory cytokines, and IRF3-induced and IRF7-induced anti-viral signaling pathways; inhibits IRF3 translocation to the nucleus; inhibits IFI16; degradation of mature DC marker (CD83). Involved in transcription of viral genes. Has ubiquitin ligase activity. Inhibits interferon response. Alters the cellular environment to promote viral replication.

R7020 (NV1020);

UL39

ICP6

Major subunit of ribonucleotide reductase. Blocks TNF-a-mediated and Fas ligand-mediated apoptosis through interacting with caspase 8 and necroptosis.

hrR3; G47Δ

UL54

ICP27

Inhibits cellular mRNA splicing. Recruits necessary proteins involved in viral transcription and translation. Activates cellular pathways to promote viral replication. Blocks NF-κB and IRF3 signaling pathways; blocks STAT1 activation and its translocation to the nucleus.

HF10

US12

ICP47

Down-regulates MHC class I by inhibiting TAP.

G47Δ; OncoVexGMCSF

US11

US11

Binds to and is phosphorylated by PKR, preventing cellular inhibition of protein synthesis and autophagy; blocks OAS.

G47Δ

US3

US3

Inhibits NF-κB activation and reduces cytokine expression, such as IL-8; inhibits induction of apoptosis; hyperphosphorylates IRF3 to block activation of RLR signaling pathway.

R7041

UL48

VP16

Initiates transcription of immediate early genes. Inhibits NF-κB activation and blocks IRF3 pathway and IFN-β production.

KM100