Stepwise characterization of non-synonymous mutations in the HSV-1 thymidine kinase gene by different functional assays.

Twenty amino acid substitutions in the thymidine kinase (TK) of clinical herpes simplex virus type 1 strains were assessed for conferring acyclovir (ACV) resistance. Site-directed mutagenesis, cell-free protein synthesis and protein expression in Escherichia coli were performed to obtain recombinant TK proteins, which were authenticated by Western blotting. A modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to determine the phosphorylation activity of the mutants towards 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU).

Database on natural polymorphisms and resistance-related non-synonymous mutations in thymidine kinase and DNA polymerase genes of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.

The use of genotypic resistance testing of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) is increasing because the rapid availability of results significantly improves the treatment of severe infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. However, an essential precondition is a broad knowledge of natural polymorphisms and resistance-associated mutations in the thymidine kinase (TK) and DNA polymerase (pol) genes, of which the DNA polymerase (Pol) enzyme is targeted by the highly effective antiviral drugs in clinical use. Thus, this review presents a database of all non-synonymous mutations of TK and DNA pol genes of HSV-1 and HSV-2 whose association with resistance or natural gene polymorphism has been clarified by phenotypic and/or functional assays.