Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Entry into Cells Mediated by a Novel Member of the TNF/NGF Receptor Family

We identified and cloned a cellular mediator of herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry. Hamster and swine cells resistant to viral entry became susceptible upon expression of a human cDNA encoding this protein, designated HVEM (for herpesvirus entry mediator). HVEM was shown to mediate the entry of several wild-type HSV strains of both serotypes. Anti–HVEM antibodies and a soluble hybrid protein containing the HVEM ectodomain inhibited HVEM–dependent infection but not virus binding to cells. Mutations in the HSV envelope glycoprotein gD significantly reduced HVEM–mediated entry. The contribution of HVEM to HSV entry into human cells was demonstrable in activated T cells. HVEM, the first identified mediator of HSV entry, is a new member of the TNF/NGF receptor family.