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Utility of the bacteriophage RB69 polymerase gp43 as a surrogate enzyme for herpesvirus orthologs.

Utility of the bacteriophage RB69 polymerase gp43 as a surrogate enzyme for herpesvirus orthologs.

Authors :
Bennett N
Götte M
Source :
Viruses [Viruses] 2013 Jan 08; Vol. 5 (1), pp. 54-86. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Jan 08.
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

Viral polymerases are important targets in drug discovery and development efforts. Most antiviral compounds that are currently approved for treatment of infection with members of the herpesviridae family were shown to inhibit the viral DNA polymerase. However, biochemical studies that shed light on mechanisms of drug action and resistance are hampered primarily due to technical problems associated with enzyme expression and purification. In contrast, the orthologous bacteriophage RB69 polymerase gp43 has been crystallized in various forms and therefore serves as a model system that provides a better understanding of structure-function relationships of polymerases that belong the type B family. This review aims to discuss strengths, limitations, and opportunities of the phage surrogate with emphasis placed on its utility in the discovery and development of anti-herpetic drugs.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1999-4915
Volume :
5
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Viruses
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
23299784
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/v5010054