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Structure of Chicken Pox Virus

Chicken pox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). VZV is the third of the human herpes viruses (HHV), which are DNA viruses that have an envelope, a tegument and a capsid, which contains the virus' DNA. The structure of VZV is most closely similar to that of herpes simplex viruses (see Reference 1).

  1. Envelope

    • The outermost layer of VZV is the envelope, composed of lipids (fats). In addition to giving structure to the viral particle, called a virion, the envelope contains glycoproteins that enable the virus to identify and bind to its target neuron cells (see Reference 1).

    Tegument

    • The tegument is the next layer of VZV. It contains the virus as well as proteins and enzymes used by the virus to replicate itself (see Reference 1).

    Capsid

    • The capsid (or nuclecapsid) of the varicella-zoster virus contains and protects the DNA, which is carried into the nucleus of infected host cells.

    DNA

    • The genetic material, DNA, of VZV is contained within the capsid. The DNA codes proteins are necessary for the replication of the virus.

    Effects

    • Infection with herpes viruses leads to life-long infection. In the case of VZV, the virus goes latent in a nerve cell after chicken pox goes away, and a flare-up of the virus can lead to shingles later in life (see Reference 2).

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