Title: Characterization of expression of the herpes simplex virus type-1 ICP22 and Us1.5 proteins
Description: HSV-1 infection results in an ordered cascade of viral gene expression, beginning with the IE genes, ICPs 0, 4, 22, 27 and 47. Little is known about ICP22 in infected cells as it was classified as non essential for viral replication, is difficult to express in isolation and genetic analysis has been limited due to the expression of an in frame, C-terminal variant protein, Us1.5. These complications aside, study of ICP22 - viruses suggest ICP22 is involved in regulation of viral gene expression. In addition, ICP22 and Us1.5 are essential for efficient viral replication in primary cells and in animal models. In order to further our understanding of ICP22 we sought to eliminate problems normally associated with study of the protein. To this end, we developed means to express ICP22 and Us1.5 in isolation by transfection of the gene under the regulation of the CMV IE promoter or under its own regulatory elements by co-transfection of ICPO or infection by an ICP22 - virus. Transfection of ICP22 expression plasmids followed by infection with an ICP22 - virus allowed for study of physical properties of the protein as well as the ability of the protein to complement ICP22 - virus replication.

Using this system and newly generated C-terminal specific ICP22 Abs, we show that Us1.5 expression is independent of full length ICP22. In addition, we demonstrate that the reported Us1.5 start sites, M147 and M171 are incorrect and that Us1.5 initiates translation at M90 of the ICP22 ORF. Mutation of M90 to alanine resulted in loss of Us1.5 expression but had no effect on expression of the full length protein. We introduced the M90A mutation into the viral genome and, as observed in transfected cells, Us1.5 expression was greatly reduced in M90A-infected cells. Although Us1.5 expression was greatly reduced, the M90A mutant replicated efficiently in restrictive Rab-9 cells and levels of the late gene gC accumulated to WT levels. Collectively, this dissertation describes multiple systems to transiently express ICP22. Using this system we mapped the true start site of the Us1.5 protein and raised questions to the origin of Us1.5 protein expression.