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Herpesvirus latency and therapy--from a veterinary perspective
Hugh J Field1, Subhajit Biswas, Islam T Mohammad
1Centre for Veterinary Science, Cambridge University Veterinary School, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK. hjf10@cam.ac.uk
Antiviral Research
|July 18, 2006
Summary
Human herpesviruses are treatable with antivirals, but latency and reactivation pose challenges. Veterinary models, like horses and cats, aid understanding of antiviral therapy for these persistent viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Antiviral Therapy
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Human herpesviruses were among the first viruses effectively treated with antiviral therapy.
- Neuronal latency and reactivation of alphaherpesviruses remain a significant hurdle for achieving a complete cure.
- Laboratory animals have been crucial in understanding herpes antiviral development and neurological infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of antiviral therapy in managing herpesvirus infections.
- To highlight the importance of animal models in herpes antiviral research.
- To discuss progress in veterinary antiviral applications for herpes infections in horses and cats.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on antiviral therapies for human and animal herpesviruses.
- Examination of the role of animal models in understanding viral latency and reactivation.
- Analysis of current veterinary antiviral strategies for herpes infections.
Main Results:
- Antiviral therapies have shown effectiveness against human herpesviruses.
- Viral latency and reactivation present ongoing challenges for complete eradication.
- Veterinary applications of antivirals for herpesviruses are still limited but show promise, particularly in horses and cats.
Conclusions:
- While significant progress has been made in antiviral therapy for herpesviruses, latency remains a key challenge.
- Animal models, including domestic species, are invaluable for advancing our understanding of herpesvirus infections and antiviral treatments.
- Further development and application of antiviral therapies in veterinary medicine are warranted, with initial successes noted in equine and feline herpesvirus infections.