Synthesis of the major DNA-binding protein (ICP8) was investigated in primary rabbit kidney (RK) and Vero cells infected with the syncytial (syn) strain HSZP or with the non-syn strain KOS of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Results showed the following: 1. In contrast to strain KOS, the rate of viral polypeptide synthesis was accelerated in Vero cells infected with strain HSZP. The ICP8 could be detected in the nuclei of cells by one hour post-infection (hr p. i.) where it became associated with the viral DNA (DNase sensitive form). Later on (7 hr p.i.), the synthesis of viral polypeptides decreased and no further translocation of ICP8 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus was observed. 2. Strain HSZP was approx. three times more resistant to the action of phosphonoacetic acid (PAA) than strain KOS. In order to block the synthesis of HSZP gamma-2 polypeptides, a concentration of 600 micrograms PAA/ml had to be used. Under this condition, the HSZP ICP8 was translocated into the cell nucleus at later interval only (7 hr p.i.), and it was still possible to release this polypeptide from the nucleus by DNase treatment. The failure of the HSZP ICP8 to associate with the nuclear matrix (DNase resistant form) of infected cells in the absence of viral DNA replication may reflect its predominant affinity for the viral DNA which, in turn, may be responsible for the observed accelerated synthesis of the HSZP polypeptides in infected Vero cells. 3. In primary RK cells infected with strain HSZP the ICP8 did not translocate into the cell nucleus. Therefore, no gamma-2 polypeptides were synthesized.

Institute of Virology Slovak Academy of Sciences Bratislava Czechoslovakia