[Herpesvirus latency].

Abstract

The article reviews present knowledge about the molecular mechanisms involved in herpes virus latency. The work on herpes virus latency has created a foundation for much of our knowledge about viral latency in general. Herpes simplex virus is perhaps best known in this respect. This virus resides latently in sensory ganglia. No herpes simplex-specific proteins have been found, but a specific RNA transcript has been identified. In varicella-zoster virus latency several latency-associated transcripts are known and, as for herpes simplex virus, sensory ganglia harbour the latent infection. There is still some dispute as to whether Epstein-Barr virus is truly latent or not. However, evidence for specific proteins associated with latency is accumulating. Little is known about cytomegalovirus latency.