Novel Cellular Kinases Required for HSV Transcription

Herpes simplex virus uses RNA polymerase II for its transcription along with viral proteins and cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9), a key mediator of host cell transcriptional elongation. We have been interested in exploring the role of CDK9 and other cyclin dependent kinases on herpes simplex transcription at various times after infection. Surprising evidence suggests that CDK9 is not the only cyclin dependent kinase to be required for HSV transcription, unlike most host genes. The precise roles of these novel CDK’s and CDK9 in the various stages of transcription (initiation, elongation, and termination) are being explored. This should help us understand how virus transcription is favored over that of the host. The discovery of novel CDK’s being commandeered by HSV also potentially opens the door to the use of novel antiviral therapeutics.