An exploration of herpes simplex virus latency using transgenic reporter mice

Wednesday 10 October 2012, 12.15PM

Speaker: Dr Stacey Efstathiou, University of Cambridge

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic herpesviruses that establishes latency within sensory neurones.  Following primary infection the virus replicates productively within mucosal epithelial cells and enters sensory neurones via nerve termini. The virus is then transported to neuronal cell bodies where latency can be established.  Periodically the virus can reactivate to resume its normal lytic cycle gene expression programme and result in the generation of new virus progeny. The ability to establish lifelong latency within the host and to periodically reactivate to facilitate dissemination is central to the survival strategy of this virus.  This talk will focus on the use of reporter mouse model systems to explore latency at the single cell level in order to investigate the extent of virus gene expression compatible with latency establishment and the role of the virus encoded latency associated transcripts (LATs) in the regulation of latency.

Host: Dr Dimitris Lagos

Location: Biology, Q014

Email: cii@york.ac.uk

Telephone: 01904 328876