AUTHOR=Fan Dengjian , Wang Mingshu , Cheng Anchun , Jia Renyong , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Zhu Dekang , Zhao Xinxin , Chen Shun , Liu Mafeng , Zhang Shaqiu , Ou Xumin , Mao Sai , Gao Qun , Sun Di , Wen Xingjian , Liu Yunya , Yu Yanling , Zhang Ling , Tian Bin , Pan Leichang , Chen Xiaoyue 

TITLE=The Role of VP16 in the Life Cycle of Alphaherpesviruses

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.01910

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2020.01910

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>The protein encoded by the UL48 gene of alphaherpesviruses is named VP16 or alpha-gene-transactivating factor (α-TIF). In the early stage of viral replication, VP16 is an important transactivator that can activate the transcription of viral immediate-early genes, and in the late stage of viral replication, VP16, as a tegument, is involved in viral assembly. This review will explain the mechanism of VP16 acting as α-TIF to activate the transcription of viral immediate-early genes, its role in the transition from viral latency to reactivation, and its effects on viral assembly and maturation. In addition, this review also provides new insights for further research on the life cycle of alphaherpesviruses and the role of VP16 in the viral life cycle.</p>