Herpes viruses have a unique four-layered structure: a core containing the large, double-stranded DNA genome is enclosed by an icosahedral capsid which is composed of capsomers. The envelope is joined to the capsid by means of a tegument. This complete particle is known as the virion. Herpes simplex virus type 1 glycoprotein D (gD) is essential for virus infectivity and is responsible for binding to cellular membrane proteins and subsequently promoting fusion between the virus envelope and the cell. Entry of HSV into the host cell involves interactions of several glycoproteins on the surface of the enveloped virus, with receptors on the surface of the host cell. The envelope covering the virus particle, when bound to specific receptors on the cell surface, will fuse with the host cell membrane and create an opening, or pore, through which the virus enters the host cell.

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