Varicella zoster virus immunity: A primer.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes widespread human infections, including varicella (chickenpox) and shingles.
• VZV is the only herpesvirus with widely implemented vaccines, impacting its epidemiology.
• The immunological basis of protection against VZV remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence defining immunologic risk factors for severe VZV disease.
• To identify key elements of VZV immunity for prevention and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• Overview of evidence from animal models.
• Analysis of observational studies on VZV infection.

Main Results:

• Circulating VZV-specific antibodies can prevent primary infection.
• Innate and cellular immune responses are crucial for limiting VZV infection severity and duration.
• Understanding these factors can inform better VZV management.

Conclusions:

• Immune responses beyond antibodies are critical for controlling VZV.
• Targeting innate and cellular immunity may improve VZV prevention and treatment.
• Further research into VZV immunological correlates is warranted.