Herpes simplex virus type 2 UL25 protein (UL25)

The Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) UL25 protein is an essential minor capsid component located at the external vertices of the viral capsid [1, 6]. It forms the Capsid Vertex-Specific Complex (CVSC) in a heterodimer with UL17, providing critical structural stabilization necessary to retain pressurized genomic DNA within the icosahedral shell [2, 14]. Without functional UL25, capsids fail to stably package full-length genomes, leading to the accumulation of defective 'A-capsids' that lack DNA [3, 4]. Beyond its role in assembly, UL25 is required for the nuclear egress of mature nucleocapsids and facilitates the delivery of the viral genome into the host nucleus during the early stages of infection by interacting with components of the nuclear pore complex [4, 6]. Due to its high conservation and essentiality, UL25 has been utilized as a primary antigen in therapeutic vaccine candidates such as GEN-003 and HerpV, which aim to reduce viral shedding and lesion frequency by inducing robust T-cell mediated immunity [7]. Although not currently targeted by standard nucleoside analogs like acyclovir, UL25 remains a significant target for the development of novel antivirals designed to disrupt viral DNA encapsidation and capsid maturation [5, 9].

Other names

Tegument protein UL25Capsid protein UL25Minor capsid protein UL25Capsid-associated protein UL25Minor capsid component UL25

Inhibition of viral DNA packaging and capsid stabilization; induction of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell and B-cell immune responses for therapeutic vaccination.