The protocol describes an efficient and reproducible model system to study herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) latency and reactivation. The assay employs homogenous sympathetic neuron cultures and allows for the molecular dissection of virus-neuron interactions using a variety of tools including RNA interference and expression of recombinant proteins.
Kobayashi, M., Kim, J., Camarena, V., Roehm, P. C., Chao, M. V., Wilson, A. C., Mohr, I. A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation. J. Vis. Exp. (62), e3823, doi:10.3791/3823 (2012).