This disclosure provides platforms for delivery of herpes virus proteins to cells, particularly proteins that form complexes in vivo. In some embodiments these proteins and the complexes they form elicit potent neutralizing antibodies. Thus, presentation of herpes virus proteins using the disclosed platforms permits the generation of broad and potent immune responses useful for vaccine development.

One aspect of the present invention relates to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) agent capable of inhibiting the expression of a target gene. The antisense strand of the dsRNA molecule comprises at least one thermally destabilizing nucleotide occurring at a seed region; the dsRNA comprises at least four 2′-fluoro modifications, and the sense strand of the dsRNA molecule comprises ligand, wherein the ligand is an ASGPR ligand. Other aspects of the invention relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these dsRNA molecules suitable for therapeutic use, and methods of inhibiting the expression of a target gene by administering these dsRNA molecules, e.g., for the treatment of various disease conditions.

Methods for the synthesis of polynucleotides using polymerases nucleotide analogs with labile terminator groups that allow stepwise addition of nucleotides are described. These nucleotide analogs may have a modification on 3′, 2′, or 3′-2′-bridged hydroxyl groups or on nucleobase moieties and can be used in the synthesis of natural or modified polynucleotides suitable for use in biological systems. The labile terminator groups are removed under mild conditions or by enzymes. They are accepted as substrates by polymerases. The synthesis may be carried out on a surface.