Role of the nuclear matrix in the growth of herpes simplex virus type 2

Nuclear matrix was prepared from Vero cells infected with herpes simplex virus type 2. In the early stage of infection, both 155K and 110K viral proteins were associated with the nuclear matrix, while in the late stage, 155K protein, presumably a viral capsid protein, was predominantly associated with the matrix. Electron microscopic study showed that empty capsids were bound to the filamentous networks of the nuclear matrix of the late stage. Neither viral DNA nor viral DNA polymerase activity was associated with the nuclear matrix. These results may indicate that the nuclear matrix plays some role in the growth of herpes simplex virus, especially during the morphogenesis.