Human herpes viruses latent infection in the nervous system

Israel Steiner*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

56 Scopus citations

Abstract

The neurotropic herpes viruses, HSV-1, HSV-2 and VZV, colonize and establish latent infection in human peripheral sensory ganglia. Recurrent diseases due to reactivation of these viral pathogens can take place despite an effective immune response. Molecular, cellular, physiological and immune mechanisms work in concert to enable the establishment of latency, the maintenance of the latent state for the entire life of the host, and the reactivation infection. Although all three viruses belong to the same family and establish latent infection in the same tissue, the clinical pattern of their reactivation is quite different. This review covers current knowledge of the basis of these infections, and offers a theory explaining the basis of HSV-1 latent infection and the differences of the disorders caused by HSV-1 and VZV reactivation in humans.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)157-173
Number of pages17
JournalImmunological Reviews
Issue number152
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Human herpes viruses latent infection in the nervous system'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this