CMV Makes a Timely Exit

DNA viruses must first replicate their genome in the nucleus of the host cell before forming subviral particles that cross into the cytoplasm for the final stages of virion maturation. However, the nuclear envelope provides a physical barrier to the movement of subviral particles into the cytoplasm. In their Perspective, [Sanchez and Spector][1] discuss new work ([ Muranyi et al .][2]) that reveals how cytomegalovirus recruits a host cell protein kinase C to modify the nuclear lamin meshwork of the nuclear envelope, thus enabling subviral particles to exit the nucleus. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/297/5582/778 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/297/5582/854