Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can establish its latency in neurons and is associated with virus-induced pathological neurodegeneration in the nervous system. Here we show that viral penetration-induced calcium release facilitated HSV-1 intracellular trafficking through activating slingshot 1 (SSH), a phosphatase regulating actin filament dynamics. More detailed studies revealed that phospholipase C gamma 1, and the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor isoform 1 were required for SSH activation. Besides, calpain-1, a calcium-dependent cysteine protease, was involved in viral intracellular migration. These results may lead to new targets for antiviral therapy.
Keywords: Calcium signal; Calpain-1; Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1); Nuclear transport; Slingshot 1.
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