Herpes simplex virus interference with immunity: Focus on dendritic cells.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) establish lifelong infections through latency and reactivation.
• HSV persistence relies on molecular mechanisms that evade host antiviral and immune responses.
• Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial for initiating effective antiviral immunity but are targeted by HSVs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss how HSVs modulate molecular and cellular processes within dendritic cells.
• To highlight the impact of HSV-DC interactions on antiviral immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and discussion of existing research on HSV-DC interactions.
• Analysis of molecular and cellular pathways affected by HSV in DCs, including autophagy, apoptosis, and the unfolded protein response.

Main Results:

• HSVs negatively modulate critical DC functions essential for adaptive immunity.
• Specific cellular processes like autophagy, apoptosis, and UPR are altered by HSV infection in DCs.
• HSV's disruption of DC function contributes to viral persistence and immune evasion.

Conclusions:

• Dendritic cells play a pivotal role in antiviral immunity against HSV.
• Understanding HSV's manipulation of DCs is crucial for developing strategies to enhance immune responses.
• Targeting HSV-DC interactions may offer therapeutic potential for managing herpes infections.