The herpes simplex virus ICP27 protein: a multifunctional post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression

The herpes simplex virus 1 ICP27 is an essential, highly conserved protein involved in various steps of herpes simplex virus 1 gene regulation as well as in the shut-off of host gene expression during infection. It functions primarily at the post-transcriptional level in inhibiting precursor mRNA splicing and in promoting nuclear export of viral transcripts. These activities are discussed.