Herpes simplex virus infected cell protein 0 (ICP0)

Infected cell protein 0 (ICP0) is a herpes simplex virus-encoded immediate-early protein that acts as a promiscuous transactivator to stimulate the transcription of viral genes, and is critical for efficient viral replication[1][4][6][7]. ICP0 localizes initially to the nucleus where it disrupts ND10 and PML nuclear bodies, mediates the degradation of restriction factors through its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, and modulates cellular transcription factor complexes including CoREST and BMAL1[5][6][7]. These mechanisms allow the virus to evade host immune responses and promote gene expression necessary for viral growth. ICP0 is a target for novel antivirals aiming to prevent herpesvirus replication by inhibiting its ubiquitin ligase function or its transcriptional activation capacity[3]. The gene and protein have been well characterized in HSV-1 and are considered central to the virus’s strategy for host cell takeover and immune evasion[1][3][4][6].

Other names

Infected Cell Protein 0IE110Immediate Early Gene 1HSV-1 α0

Inhibition of E3 ubiquitin ligase activity (blocks ICP0-mediated degradation of host proteins that restrict viral replication); Stabilization of PML bodies or host restriction factors (prevents ICP0 effects on immune system and viral replication)