IVa2 protein can interact with the adenoviral packaging signal and that this interaction involves DNA sequences that have previously been demonstrated to be required for packaging [1]. During the course of lytic infection, the adenovirus major late promoter (MLP) is induced to high levels after replication of viral DNA has started. IVa2 is a transcriptional activator of the major late promoter [2].

1: Interaction of the adenovirus IVa2 protein with viral packaging sequences. Zhang W, Imperiale MJ; J Virol 2000;74:2687-2693. PMID:10684284

2: The product of the adenovirus intermediate gene IVa2 is a transcriptional activator of the major late promoter. Tribouley C, Lutz P, Staub A, Kedinger C; J Virol 1994;68:4450-4457. PMID:8207818