Model of NEC-mediated budding during nuclear egress. UL34 localizes to the INM by means of its C-terminal transmembrane helix. Soluble UL31 is present in the nucleus and binds to UL34 at the INM. Hexameric rings assemble and eventually connect to form a lattice. Upon capsid binding, possibly through UL17/UL25 or the major capsid protein, the NEC forms a coat that deforms the membrane around the capsid. To form a spherical object, disruptions in the hexagonal lattice are likely required. NEC coats lack obvious icosahedral symmetry, and these disruptions may be of irregular nature. Reprinted from Bigalke, J.M., Heldwein, E.E., 2016. Nuclear exodus: herpesviruses lead the way. Annu. Rev. Virol., 3.