Varicella-zoster virus infection influences expression and organization of actin and alpha-tubulin but does not affect lamin A and vimentin.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection on the cytoskeletal components actin, lamin A, alpha-tubulin and vimentin.

Methods: The expression patterns of these four proteins during VZV infection were studied by Northern and Western blotting. The filaments were also studied in their cellular environment by immunofluorescence using confocal microscopy. Treatment with nocodazole and cytochalasin B was performed to examine the effects of the destruction of actin or tubulin networks on the VZV replicative cycle.

Results: The amounts of the mRNAs of actin, lamin A, alpha-tubulin and vimentin decreased slightly at 48 h post infection (p.i.) with VZV. The cellular content of the lamin A protein appeared to remain stable during the time period analyzed, whereas the amounts of actin, alpha-tubulin and vimentin decreased slightly at 24 h p.i. until the end of the viral cycle. Rearrangement of microfilaments and microtubules was observed at 24 h p.i. The addition of nocodazole or cytochalasin B decreased viral replication.

Conclusions: During the VZV replicative cycle, tubulin and actin networks undergo significant changes including fiber elongation. If destroyed intentionally, viral replication is diminished, suggesting that these systems are vital for an efficient infection and viral replication.