Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, particularly HSV-1, are associated with significant neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. A study by Rybak-Wolf et al. utilized human brain organoids to model HSV-1 infection, revealing that despite antiviral treatment, patients often experience neurological sequelae. The research employed single-cell RNA sequencing and electrophysiology to characterize the infection's impact on neural function, highlighting the need for better therapeutic strategies (ref: Rybak-Wolf doi.org/10.1038/s41564-023-01405-y/). In another study, Davé et al. explored the effects of recurrent HSV-2 infections on tissue T cells, finding that while these infections transiently expanded T cell populations, they did not lead to long-term dysfunction, suggesting a complex interplay between viral reactivation and immune homeostasis (ref: Davé doi.org/10.1084/jem.20210692/). Furthermore, Li Puma et al. investigated the role of interleukin 1β in synaptic dysfunction in HSV-1 infected mice, demonstrating that IL-1β downregulates synaptic plasticity-related genes through the MeCP2/HDAC4 complex, linking neuroinflammation to cognitive decline (ref: Li Puma doi.org/10.1007/s00018-023-04817-5/). These studies collectively underscore the multifaceted effects of HSV on the nervous system and the immune response, revealing both direct viral impacts and indirect inflammatory consequences.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) has been implicated in various cardiovascular conditions, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Zhao et al. reported that KSHV DNA load in plasma was significantly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events in DCM patients, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.38 (ref: Zhao doi.org/10.1038/s41392-023-01434-3/). This study highlights the potential role of KSHV in exacerbating heart disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. In a separate investigation, Zhang et al. demonstrated that KSHV's ORF37-encoded SOX protein inhibits AIM2 inflammasome activation, facilitating viral replication and suggesting a mechanism by which KSHV evades immune detection (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2300204120/). Additionally, Rasmussen et al. found that HIV-positive patients with multicentric Castleman disease had a higher rate of disease progression compared to HIV-negative patients, indicating that KSHV's interaction with HIV may further complicate cardiovascular outcomes (ref: Rasmussen doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010316/). Together, these findings illustrate the intricate relationship between KSHV, immune responses, and cardiovascular health.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a significant pathogen in immunocompromised populations, and recent studies have focused on its immune evasion mechanisms and the implications for vaccine development. Paris et al. conducted a prospective study on adolescent girls, revealing a baseline CMV seroprevalence of 58%, which is critical for understanding the incidence of primary and secondary infections (ref: Paris doi.org/10.1093/infdis/). Yamaguchi et al. characterized human monoclonal antibodies against CMV glycoprotein B, noting that while the MF59-adjuvanted vaccine induced high antibody titers, its efficacy in neutralizing infection was only around 50%, highlighting the need for improved vaccine strategies (ref: Yamaguchi doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.003/). Furthermore, von Bredow et al. developed a next-generation sequencing assay to detect CMV drug resistance mutations, emphasizing the clinical challenges posed by antiviral resistance in managing CMV infections (ref: von Bredow doi.org/10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105520/). Collectively, these studies underscore the complexities of CMV infection and the ongoing efforts to enhance vaccine efficacy and manage drug resistance.

Research on varicella-zoster virus (VZV) has revealed important insights into its immune interactions and implications for vaccination. van Gent et al. conducted a proteome-wide T-cell screening in latently infected human trigeminal ganglia, finding a low prevalence of virus-specific CD8 T-cells, which may contribute to the challenges in controlling latent infections (ref: van Gent doi.org/10.1186/s12974-023-02820-y/). In a randomized trial, Naficy et al. demonstrated that coadministration of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine with a COVID-19 mRNA booster did not result in immunological interference, suggesting that simultaneous vaccination could be a viable strategy for older adults (ref: Naficy doi.org/10.1093/cid/). Mo et al. evaluated a novel skin- and neuro-attenuated varicella vaccine candidate, finding comparable safety and immunogenicity to existing vaccines, which could offer advantages in future vaccination campaigns (ref: Mo doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100707/). These findings highlight the ongoing efforts to understand VZV's immune evasion and improve vaccination strategies.

The association between herpesviruses and cancer has garnered significant attention, particularly regarding their roles in tumorigenesis. Mangiaterra et al. focused on the detection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, employing sensitive qPCR methods to identify viral genomes and transcripts, which could enhance diagnostic accuracy (ref: Mangiaterra doi.org/10.1002/ijc.34623/). In another study, Sanders et al. investigated the role of HSV-1 ICP27 in viral replication, revealing that mutations in this protein affect replication and gene expression in a cell-type-dependent manner, which may have implications for understanding HSV's oncogenic potential (ref: Sanders doi.org/10.1128/jvi.01957-22/). Additionally, Schwanke et al. explored the CMV M35 protein's role in modulating type I interferon responses, providing insights into how CMV may evade immune detection and contribute to cancer progression (ref: Schwanke doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00400-23/). These studies collectively underscore the complex interplay between herpesviruses and cancer, highlighting the need for further research into their mechanisms of action.

The reactivation of latent viruses, particularly in the context of chronic stress and immune aging, has significant implications for health outcomes. Klopack et al. found that chronic social stress can accelerate immune aging and reactivate latent CMV infections, potentially leading to increased morbidity and mortality (ref: Klopack doi.org/10.1093/geronb/). Ono et al. examined the presence of CMV in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, noting that CMV+IBD cases exhibited higher rates of apoptosis and crypt dropout compared to IBD-only cases, suggesting a potential role for CMV in exacerbating IBD symptoms (ref: Ono doi.org/10.1097/PAS.0000000000002071/). Furthermore, Davé et al. highlighted the transient expansion of tissue T cells during recurrent HSV-2 infections, raising questions about the long-term effects of such reactivations on immune function (ref: Davé doi.org/10.1084/jem.20210692/). These findings emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of how viral reactivation interacts with chronic conditions and immune responses.

Advancements in viral detection methods are crucial for timely diagnosis and management of viral infections. Batty et al. assessed a multi-target assay for rapid detection of viruses causing vesicular diseases, achieving high positive percent agreement for several herpesviruses, which is essential for effective outbreak management (ref: Batty doi.org/10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105525/). Shin et al. investigated immunity trends against measles and varicella zoster virus among healthcare workers, revealing that self-reported vaccination history was not a reliable indicator of seropositivity, highlighting the need for more robust screening methods (ref: Shin doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.018/). Teutsch et al. characterized neonatal herpes simplex central nervous system disease, providing critical insights into the demographics and outcomes associated with this condition, which can inform clinical practices (ref: Teutsch doi.org/10.1016/j.jcv.2023.105526/). These studies collectively underscore the importance of developing accurate diagnostic tools to enhance public health responses to viral infections.

The immune response to herpesvirus vaccinations is a critical area of research, particularly in understanding safety and efficacy. Ackerson et al. conducted a post-licensure safety study comparing the HepB-CpG vaccine to the traditional HepB-alum vaccine, finding no significant increase in new-onset immune-mediated diseases or herpes zoster, suggesting that the new vaccine is safe for use (ref: Ackerson doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.06.004/). Davé et al. also contributed to this theme by exploring the effects of recurrent HSV-2 infections on tissue T cells, indicating that while infections can expand T cell populations, they do not necessarily lead to dysfunction, which is vital for understanding vaccine responses (ref: Davé doi.org/10.1084/jem.20210692/). Furthermore, Nobrega et al. reviewed the testing of bulk tank milk for nonbacterial pathogens, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnostics in managing herd health, which indirectly relates to vaccination strategies in veterinary contexts (ref: Nobrega doi.org/10.3168/jds.2022-22586/). Together, these studies highlight the ongoing efforts to ensure vaccine safety and efficacy in the context of herpesvirus infections.