Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), which is one of the two types of HSV, is most known for being associated with genital herpes. Yikes!  The structure is spherical and consists of double-stranded DNA, which is encased by an isosapentahedral capsid. The said capsid is then enclosed in a tightly-associated tegument. These layers are then further enclosed in a lipid bilayer envelope. The figure below should help with the envisionment of the actual HSV-2 structure. In terms of the virus’ size, it can get pretty big. The actual virion, which includes the DNA, the capsid, the tegument, and the lipid bilayer membrane, can have a range from 120 nm to 300 nm. The capsid itself is constructed by 162 capsomers arranged in an icosapentahedral shape. As for proteins found in the lipid bilayer, glycoproteins are one of the compounds that the membrane consists of. Their presence allows certain viruses to obtain various unique properties, as well as antigens for the host to be able to respond to. Like many viruses, HSV-2 cannot physically move independently; it is subject to movement by environmental interactions. I hope this post gave you a good overview of the fascinating structure of Herpes Simplex 2!