Characterization of cis-acting elements required for autorepression of the equine herpesvirus 1 IE gene

► We investigated the mechanism by which the EHV-1 IEP inhibits its own promoter. ► The IEP represses transcription from its gene through the consensus IEP-binding site (IEBS). ► The short distance between the TATA box and the IEBS is important for IEP-mediated repression. ► The IEP efficiently modulates autorepression of its gene in a TATA box-dependent manner.