Characterization of the gene encoding herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein C and comparison with the type 1 counterpart.

The gene encoding the glycoprotein C (gC) of herpes simplex virus type 1 maps to the region of the viral genome from 0.62 to 0.64. Recently, a herpes simplex virus type 2 glycoprotein previously designated gF and now designated gC was mapped to a homologous location. Analysis of the herpes simplex virus type 2 mRNA species encoded in this region revealed a major transcript of 2.5 kilobases, a 0.73-kilobase transcript (the 5' ends of which were mapped by primer extension), and several minor species, all nearly identical to the herpes simplex virus type 1 pattern. A polypeptide of ca. 60,000 daltons was identified by in vitro translation of hybrid-selected mRNA. A smaller protein of ca. 20,000 daltons was also mapped to this region. The nucleotide sequence of a 3.4-kilobase segment of DNA encompassing gC was determined, and an open reading frame of 1,440 nucleotides specifying a 480-amino acid protein with properties consistent with that of a glycoprotein was identified. Comparative DNA sequence analysis showed regions of limited homology within the coding sequences for gC and a deletion which results in 31 fewer amino acids in the gC-2 near the amino terminus of the protein. The carboxy termini of gC-1 and gC-2 are very similar, as are the 20,000-dalton proteins.