Methods for the Manipulation of Herpesvirus Genome and the Application to Marek's Disease Virus Research

Abstract

Herpesviruses are a group of double-strand DNA viruses that infect a wide range of hosts, including humans and animals. In the past decades, numerous methods have been developed to manipulate herpesviruses genomes, from the introduction of random mutations to specific genome editing. The development of genome manipulation methods has largely advanced the study of viral genes function, contributing not only to the understanding of herpesvirus biology and pathogenesis, but also the generation of novel vaccines and therapies to control and treat diseases. In this review, we summarize the major methods of herpesvirus genome manipulation with emphasis in their application to Marek's disease virus research.

Keywords: Marek’s disease virus; genome manipulation; herpesvirus; pathogenesis.

Figure 1

Schematic of generating temperature sensitive (ts) mutants.

Figure 2

Schematic of marker assisted site-directed mutagenesis.

Figure 3

Generation of overlapping cosmid clones and their application to herpesvirus mutagenesis.

Figure 4

Generation of virus BAC clone and its application to herpesvirus mutagenesis.

Figure 5

CRISPR/Cas9 system and its application to herpesvirus mutagenesis.