Protein kinase UL97 is an unusual protein kinase that can phosphorylate nucleoside analogs as well as protein/peptide. Previously we found a H2B-derived peptide, KESYSVYVYKV and reported that the P+5 position (K) is important. To further understand the substrate specificity at the P+5 position, we introduced spot assay system and showed that a peptide containing K residue among other amino acids at the P+5 position is the best substrate. Also other residues such as M, I, L, or G are good enough to be substrate of UL97. This result may aid the discovery of a new antiviral inhibitor.