Dynamic regulatory interaction between cytomegalovirus major tegument protein pp65 and protein kinase pUL97 in intracellular compartments, dense bodies and virions

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen of considerable clinical importance. Understanding the processes that are important for viral replication is essential for the development of therapeutic strategies against HCMV infection. The HCMV-encoded protein kinase pUL97 is an important multifunctional regulator of viral replication. Several viral and cellular proteins are phosphorylated by pUL97. The phosphoprotein pp65 is one important substrate of pUL97. It is the most abundant tegument protein of HCMV virions, mediating the upload of other virion constituents and contributing to particle integrity. Further to that, it interferes with host innate immune defences, thereby enablin…