Human cytomegalovirus tegument protein pUL71 is required for efficient virion egress.

ABSTRACT: The human cytomegalovirus virion is composed of a DNA genome packaged in an icosahedral capsid, surrounded by a tegument of protein and RNA, all enclosed within a glycoprotein-studded envelope. Achieving this intricate virion architecture requires a coordinated process of assembly and egress. We show here that pUL71, a component of the virion tegument with a previously uncharacterized function, is required for the virus-induced reorganization of host cell membranes, which is necessary for efficient viral assembly and egress. A mutant that did not express pUL71 was able to efficiently accumulate viral genomes and proteins that were tested but was defective for the production and release of infectious virions. The protein localized to vesicular structures at the periphery of the viral assemb

SUBMITTER: Womack A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2999941 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature