The laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms that allow bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to establish and maintain lifelong latent infections and subsequently reactivate. These alphaherpesviruses establish latency in sensory neurons following initial infection and can periodically reactivate in response to stress or immune suppression, resulting in recurrent disease and virus transmission.

Current research focuses on understanding how stress-responsive cellular factors regulate the earliest stages of viral reactivation. Of particular interest are the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the pioneer transcription factors Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) and Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15), which can stimulate viral gene expression. The lab investigates how these factors influence chromatin remodeling and activation of viral genes during reactivation, as well as how differences in GR activity influence virus shedding.

By defining the cellular and viral factors that regulate the latency-reactivation cycle, the laboratory seeks to better understand alphaherpesvirus pathogenesis and identify new strategies for developing vaccines and interventions that reduce clinical disease, viral reactivation and transmission.

clint.jones10@okstate.edu