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Microbiology · DNA viruses (parvoviruses, papillomaviruses, adenoviruses, hepatitis B, herpes viruses, poxviruses, anelloviruses)

Herpesviruses

Herpesviridae

Herpesviruses are a family of large, enveloped, DNA-containing viruses capable of affecting the central nervous system, skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs. A characteristic feature of this family is the ability to persist lifelong (remain in a latent state) within the human body.

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MorphologyLarge, 150–200 nm, enveloped
GenomeDouble-stranded linear DNA (short and long fragments)
CapsidIcosahedral, 162 capsomeres
PathogenesisAffects the central nervous system, mucous membranes, skin, and internal organs
3 min readFor medical studentsUpdated Sep 25, 2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesReviewed by medical editor: Aulov A. A., general practitioner · 09/24/2026

Classification of herpesviruses

The Herpesviridae family is divided into three subfamilies (Alpha-, Beta-, Gamma-). Taxonomy is based on genome structure, tissue tropism, cytopathology patterns, and the site of latent infection.

There are 8 types pathogenic to humans:

  • HHV-1 (HSV-1): Herpes simplex virus type 1.
  • HHV-2 (HSV-2): Herpes simplex virus type 2.
  • HHV-3 (VZV): Varicella-zoster virus.
  • HHV-4 (EBV): Epstein–Barr virus.
  • HHV-5 (CMV): Cytomegalovirus.
  • HHV-6: Herpes lymphotropic virus (roseolovirus).
  • HHV-7: No historical name.
  • HHV-8: Associated with Kaposi sarcoma.
Free video lectureHerpesviruses and cytomegalovirus: morphology, pathogenesis, diagnosticsFree Video LessonHerpesvirus Infection: Herpes Simplex Viruses Types 1 and 2

Biological properties of subfamilies

For convenience, viruses are grouped by subfamily, taking into account the type of target cells, growth rate, and site of persistence.

  • Alphaherpesvirinae (e.g., HSV, VZV):
  • Target: epithelial cells (destroying them via cytolytic action).
  • Latency: neurons.
  • Betaherpesvirinae (e.g., CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7):
  • Growth rate: slow.
  • Cytopathic effect: cytomegaly and lymphoproliferation.
  • Localization (incl. latent): salivary gland epithelium, kidneys, lymphocytes.
  • Gammaherpesvirinae (e.g., EBV):
  • Target: B lymphocytes.
  • Cytopathic effect: stimulate cell proliferation (lymphoproliferative action).
  • Localization: lymphoid tissue, oropharyngeal and salivary gland epithelium.
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Virion structure

Herpesviruses are oval-shaped and large in size (150–200 nm in diameter). Structure (from center to periphery):

  1. Genome: double-stranded linear DNA consisting of short and long fragments. Inverted repeats allow for isomerism (4 isomers in HSV and CMV, 2 isomers in VZV).
  2. Capsid: icosahedral symmetry, comprising 162 capsomeres.
  3. Tegument (matrix): the layer between the capsid and the envelope. Contains proteins and enzymes to initiate replication.
  4. Supercapsid (envelope): formed from the inner layer of the host cell nuclear membrane, containing glycoprotein spikes for attachment.

Replication cycle

The replication process is strictly sequential (cascading), involving interactions between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Initial stages: adsorption (attachment), fusion of the envelope with the cell membrane, deproteinization, and injection of DNA into the nucleus. There, cellular RNA polymerase synthesizes viral mRNAs.

Protein synthesis (in the cytoplasm):

  • Immediate-early (alpha): regulation and initiation of further synthesis.
  • Early (beta): enzymes for genome replication (e.g., DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, thymidine kinase).
  • Late (gamma): structural components (capsid proteins, glycoproteins).

Assembly and release: the empty capsid is filled with DNA in the nucleus. During budding through the nuclear membrane, the nucleocapsid acquires its supercapsid. Subsequently, virions travel through the Golgi apparatus to the cell membrane and exit via exocytosis or cell lysis.

Class and exam questions

Where is the herpesvirus supercapsid formed?

The supercapsid (outer envelope) is formed from the inner layer of the host cell nuclear membrane during nucleocapsid budding from the nucleus.

What is the nature of alphaherpesvirus latency?

Alphaherpesviruses (e.g., HSV) persist in an inactive (dormant) state within neurons after primary infection.

Which classes of viral proteins are synthesized during replication?

Three classes of proteins are synthesized in strict sequence: alpha proteins (regulatory), beta proteins (replication enzymes), and gamma proteins (structural).

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What else to study on this topic

  • Pathogenesis of diseases caused by HSV-1 and HSV-2
  • Clinical and epidemiological features of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
  • Cytomegalovirus infection: risks and targets
  • Mechanism of shingles development (VZV reactivation)

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Other topics in the section "DNA viruses (parvoviruses, papillomaviruses, adenoviruses, hepatitis B, herpes viruses, poxviruses, anelloviruses)"

ParvovirusesHuman PapillomavirusesHepatitis B VirusAlphaherpesvirusesHerpes simplex virusVaricella-zoster virusEpstein-Barr VirusCytomegalovirusHuman Herpesviruses Types 6, 7, and 8PoxvirusesMpox VirusAnellovirusesCell Culture Vaccines
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