Influence of importin alpha/beta and exportin 1 on equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) replication in primary murine neurons.

Viruses replicating in the nucleus need to cross the nuclear membrane barrier during infection, therefore disruption of specific nuclear transport pathways is crucial for their replication cycle. In the present study we have investigated the influence of nucleo-cytoplasmic transport inhibitors -- ivermectin and leptomycin B, on EHV-1 replication in primary murine neurons. Obtained results suggest that the examined proteins -- exportin 1 and importin alpha/beta may participate, but are not required, during EHV-1 infection. Based on these results, it can be assumed that EHV-1 is able to use other receptors for nucleo-cytoplasmic transport.