The nuclear lamina (NL) is a dense meshwork of intermediate filaments V, type A lamins (lamin A/C), type B lamins and membrane associated proteins. It is located below the inner nuclear membrane.
NL maintains the shape and structural integrity of the nucleus and plays an important role in fine-tuning of DNA related processes, e. g. replication or transcription. Also, it has been suggested to play a role in cell defence against pathogens.
DNA viruses evolved mechanisms to exploit NL for their own purposes.