Mechanisms of herpesvirus infection--virus entry into host cells and virus assembly

Herpesvirus entry into host cells occurs by recognition of specific cellular receptor(s) with viral envelope glycoproteins. Nucleocapsids formed in nucleus are released into cytoplasm, and acquire tegument proteins there. Nucleocapsids with tegument proteins bud into intracellular vesicles formed in infected cells, which are thought to be derived from Golgi apparatus, trans-Golgi network or endosomes. However, the precise mechanisms involved in virus final envelopment are poorly understood. Here, I review our current knowledge regarding herpesvirus entry into host cells and virus assembly.