The immediate early genes encoded by all herpesviruses regulate a. viral entry into permissive cells b. viral DNA replication c. production of antibodies by \(\mathrm{B}\) cells d. viral gene expression e. all of the above

Immediate early genes are an essential part of the viral life cycle, particularly for herpesviruses. They are the first set of genes to be expressed after the virus infects a cell. The products of these genes usually play a role in regulating subsequent gene expression, enabling the virus to replicate and produce new virions efficiently.

Now, let's go through each option and determine the correct answer: a. viral entry into permissive cells - Entry into a host cell is an essential process for the virus. However, viral entry is predominantly controlled by the viral envelope proteins that interact with host cell surface receptors, not by immediate early genes. b. viral DNA replication - While some immediate early genes play roles in viral DNA replication, not all of them are responsible for this process. Immediate early genes have diverse functions that go beyond just DNA replication. c. production of antibodies by B cells - Antibodies are produced by the host immune system and not regulated by viral immediate early genes. d. viral gene expression - This is the correct answer. Immediate early genes are responsible for controlling the expression of other viral genes in a highly regulated manner throughout the viral life-cycle. e. all of the above - Considering the explanations provided above, the only accurate answer is d, not all of the options.

Based on our understanding of immediate early genes and the functions of the genes encoded by herpesviruses, the correct answer is: d. viral gene expression