Host cell targets of tegument protein VP22 of herpes simplex virus 1

In the present study, seven novel host cell factors associated with VP22 were identified from the human leukocyte cDNA library using a yeast two-hybrid high-throughput screening system. To confirm some of the interactions, VP22 and its homologues and two candidate targets were tagged with enhanced cyan or yellow fluorescent protein. While RING finger protein 10 (RNF10), WD repeat-containing protein 42A (WDR42A) or VP22 alone showed distinct subcellular localization patterns, RNF10 and WDR42A were relocated when co-expressed with VP22 or its homologues. Thus, these potential host cell factors of VP22 might expand the list of the host targets of VP22.