Herpes simplex virus 2 US11 protein (US11)

The Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) US11 protein is a multifunctional tegument protein that plays a pivotal role in the virus's evasion of the host innate immune system (UniProt: P0C0N7). Its primary function is to act as a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding protein that prevents the activation of Protein Kinase R (PKR), a key host enzyme that normally halts protein synthesis in response to viral infection (PubMed: 10482587). By inhibiting PKR and the subsequent phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2-alpha (eIF2α), US11 ensures the continued translation of viral mRNAs, facilitating efficient viral replication (PubMed: 16140994). Additionally, US11 has been shown to interact with other host proteins like PACT and OAS to further suppress antiviral signaling and has roles in inhibiting autophagy by interacting with Beclin-1 (PubMed: 19158250, PubMed: 21994453). The protein is characterized by a C-terminal RNA-binding domain containing arginine-rich repeats that are essential for its activity. Given its essential role in maintaining viral protein synthesis and subverting host defenses, US11 is considered a potential target for novel antiviral therapies, although no drugs targeting it are currently in clinical use.

Other names

Tegument protein US11RNA-binding protein US11US11 tegument proteinUS11

Inhibition of PKR-mediated phosphorylation of eIF2-alpha to prevent host protein synthesis shutoff