Herpes simplex virus tegument protein VP16 (VP16)

Herpes simplex virus tegument protein VP16 is a late structural protein found in the virion tegument layer of alphaherpesviruses such as HSV-1. VP16 plays a dual role, acting as a potent transcriptional activator of immediate-early viral genes by forming a complex with host proteins HCF-1 and Oct-1, thereby initiating the cascade required for lytic replication[3][5][6]. It is essential in viral assembly, functioning as a bridge between the inner and outer tegument and enabling proper virion maturation through interactions with viral capsid proteins and other tegument components[1][2][7]. The protein has a distinct, seat-like core structure and a disordered C-terminal activation domain that interfaces with host proteins and viral DNA elements[2][6]. VP16 is not considered a classical drug target, but is a critical factor for viral replication and pathogenesis in herpesvirus infections[5].

Other names

α-trans-inducing factor (α-TIF)Vmws65UL48 gene product (for HSV-1)VP16 (universal abbreviation across literature)Virion protein 16

Not applicable (no approved or investigational drugs directly target this molecule as of current knowledge)