Group Group I (dsDNA) Family Herpesviridae Genus Simplexvirus | Order Herpesvirales Subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae | |
Simplexvirus is a genus of viruses in the order Herpesvirales, in the family Herpesviridae, in the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. Humans and mammals serve as natural hosts. There are currently 11 species in this genus including the type species Human herpesvirus 1. Diseases associated with this genus include: skin vesicles or mucosal ulcers, rarely encephalitis and meningitis.
Contents
Taxonomy
Group: dsDNA
Structure
Viruses in Simplexvirus are enveloped, with icosahedral, Spherical to pleomorphic, and Round geometries, and T=16 symmetry. The diameter is around 150-200 nm. Genomes are linear and non-segmented, around 152kb in length.
Life Cycle
Viral replication is nuclear, and is lysogenic. Entry into the host cell is achieved by attachment of the viral gB, gC, gD and gH proteins to host receptors, which mediates endocytosis. Replication follows the dsDNA bidirectional replication model. DNA-templated transcription, with some alternative splicing mechanism is the method of transcription. Translation takes place by leaky scanning. The virus exits the host cell by nuclear egress, budding, and microtubular outwards viral transport. Human and mammals serve as the natural host. Transmission routes are sexual, contact, and saliva.