Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025

Porcine Corneal Tissue Explant to Study the Efficacy of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Antivirals
Published on: September 20, 2021
The Impact of Antiviral Resistance on Herpetic Keratitis
Majid Moshirfar1, Neil Kelkar, Telyn Peterson
1Hoopes Vision Research Center (M.M., Y.C.R., P.C.H.), Hoopes Vision, Draper, UT; John A. Moran Eye Center (M.M.), Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT; Utah Lions Eye Bank (M.M.), Murray, UT; University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix (N.K.), Phoenix, AZ; and Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine (T.P., J.B., L.P.), Ivins, UT.
Abstract:
Herpes simplex keratitis resistance to antiviral treatment presents a growing concern. The herpes simplex virus has many different mechanisms of resistance to antiviral treatment, which have been well described. Resistance to acyclovir occurs because of mutations in the viral thymidylate kinase and DNA polymerase that decrease this enzyme's affinity for its substrate. This article discusses factors that explain the prevalence of this resistance, the ability for recurrences in immunocompromised populations, current treatments for acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex keratitis, and novel therapies for this growing concern.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Viral Mutations

