Herpes simplex and the herpes complex: diverse observations and a unifying hypothesis ― the eighth fleming lecture

The regulation of herpesvirus gene expression during productive infections has some rudimentary mechanisms in common. However, beyond such defining characteristics, the more than 80 viruses currently recognized as members of the group differ in many of their molecular and biological properties. It is the object of this paper to restate and reconsider some aspects of this diversity. In doing so, the author attempts to develop and support a hypothesis which provides a coherent view of the origin of the molecular diversity of this group and suggests ways in which the molecular variety of herpesviruses may underpin differences in their gross biological preperties. The major proposition the author seeks to advance is that the diversity of contemporary herpesviruses cannot be satisfactorily understood as the product of purely adaptive processes.