DNA-binding proteins induced by herpes simplex virus type 2 in HEp-2 cells.

Affinity chromatography on single-stranded and double-stranded DNA-cellulose indicates that 12 proteins previously identified from herpes simplex virus type 2-infected cells, ranging in molecular weight from 28 X 10(3) to 186 X 10(3), bind to DNA-cellulose. The DNA-binding proteins found in infected cells differed in relative binding strengths for denatured DNA-cellulose. The virus specificity of these DNA-binding proteins was further studied by comparison with DNA-binding proteins isolated from mock-infected cells, and by immunoprecipitation of infected-cell DNA-binding proteins with antisera specific for viral antigens. The promise this technique holds for the purification and study of polypeptides involved in virus DNA replication, recombination, or repair is discussed.