Mechanisms of recovery from Herpesvirus infections -a review

A variety of specific immunological mechanisms have been shown to be effective at neutralizing herpesviruses or destroying herpesvirus infected cells. These include both humoral and cell mediated immune responses or combinations thereof. Thus, it is genarlly accepted that humoral immunity is probably responsible for preventing reinfection whereas cellular immunity, mediated by T lymphocytes or by the interaction of antibody and Fc receptor bearing cells, is more important in recovery from infections. In addition to these specific responses to herpesvirus infection, a number of nonspecific cellular and humoral components have been shown to inhibit the progression of virus replication and therefore, have been implicated in assisting the host in the recovery process. The various interactions and counteractions between the various nonspecific and specific components of the immune response are discussed with respect to their role in recovery from both primary and recurrent disease as well as how they may eventually be manipulated so as to control herpesvirus recrudescent disease.