Molecular Biology of Varicella-Zoster Virus

摘要

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), also known as human herpesvirus 3 (HHV3) belongs to the herpesvirus family (Herpesviridae). This classification is based on the morphological characteristics of the virus and its physical and chemical properties. The Herpesvirus Study Group of the International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) divided the members of this family into three subfamilies: Alphaherpesvirinae, Betaherpesvirinea and Gammaherpesvirinea. Based on its host spectrum, the length of the replicative cycle, the cytopathic effect in vitro and the particularities in the establishment of latency, VZV together with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1; HHV1) and type 2 (HSV2; HHV2) were grouped into the subfamily of Alphaherpesvirinae. Moreover, by its genome organisation, VZV was classified into the genus vari-cellovirus, whereas HSV was classified into the genus simplexvirus, for overview see [1].