Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, particularly congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), represent a significant public health concern due to their association with neurodevelopmental disabilities in newborns. Recent studies have advocated for universal screening of cCMV in newborns, emphasizing the need for efficient testing strategies. One study highlighted the implementation of pooled saliva tests as a promising approach for universal screening, addressing the challenges posed by the lack of high-throughput tests capable of identifying all infected infants (ref: Merav doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-02873-3/). Another critical aspect of CMV research focuses on the virus's interaction with host immune responses. For instance, a study revealed that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) degrades the Dmx-like protein-1 (DMXL1), which is essential for lysosomal acidification, thereby inhibiting autophagy and viral assembly (ref: Li doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2024.02.013/). This finding underscores the virus's ability to manipulate host cellular mechanisms to enhance its replication and persistence. Furthermore, the prognostic value of fetal blood sampling in assessing the severity of cCMV infections was explored, demonstrating that specific biomarkers such as thrombocyte counts and viral loads can effectively predict outcomes in infected fetuses (ref: Pomar doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2024.03.032/). The implications of CMV infections extend to hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), where late-onset CMV disease remains a concern despite prophylactic strategies like letermovir. A retrospective analysis indicated a cumulative incidence of late CMV disease of 7.2% among day 100 survivors, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and management strategies (ref: Sadowska-Klasa doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012175/).

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is implicated in various diseases, notably multiple sclerosis (MS) and malignancies such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Recent research has elucidated the serological responses to EBV peptides, revealing that specific antibody responses are significantly higher in individuals with MS, suggesting a strong association between EBV infection and MS risk (ref: Cortese doi.org/10.1001/jamaneurol.2024.0272/). Additionally, the study of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) associations has provided insights into the risk of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in kidney transplant recipients with EBV mismatches, indicating that certain induction therapies may increase PTLD risk (ref: Attieh doi.org/10.1016/j.ajt.2024.02.028/). The interaction of EBV with host cellular mechanisms was further explored in NPC, where the virus's genome was found to activate enhancers in inactive B compartments, contributing to tumorigenesis (ref: Mizokami doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105057/). A national cohort study also quantified the risk of MS following infectious mononucleosis, reinforcing the notion that EBV is a necessary factor in MS development (ref: Goldacre doi.org/10.1177/13524585241237707/). These findings collectively underscore the multifaceted role of EBV in both autoimmune and oncological contexts, necessitating further investigation into its pathogenic mechanisms.

Research on Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) has advanced our understanding of its latency and potential therapeutic interventions. A study demonstrated that neuronal miR-9 plays a crucial role in promoting HSV-1 latency by repressing genes that facilitate viral replication, thus highlighting the complex interplay between host cellular mechanisms and viral persistence (ref: Deng doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-46057-6/). Furthermore, engineered extracellular vesicles have emerged as a novel delivery platform for CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoproteins, showing promise in inhibiting HSV-1 infection, which could pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies (ref: Wan doi.org/10.1016/j.apsb.2023.10.004/). The development of effective antiviral therapies is critical, especially in immunocompromised populations. A study focused on the therapeutic drug monitoring of acyclovir and ganciclovir in pediatric patients, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment approaches to mitigate side effects and resistance (ref: Franzin doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052685/). Additionally, the role of type III interferons in restricting HSV skin disease was investigated, revealing their potential in modulating immune responses during infections (ref: Philip doi.org/10.1128/mbio.02623-23/). Collectively, these studies underscore the ongoing efforts to understand HSV pathogenesis and develop effective therapeutic interventions.

Oncolytic virus therapies are gaining traction as a promising approach for cancer treatment, leveraging the unique properties of viruses to selectively target and destroy tumor cells. Recent studies have explored the potential of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) as an oncolytic agent, demonstrating that engineered VZV candidates exhibit significant oncolytic properties in melanoma models (ref: Jiang doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2023-008307/). Additionally, a novel oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) expressing a bispecific T-cell engager has shown improved antitumor effects, suggesting that combining oncolytic virotherapy with immunotherapy could enhance therapeutic outcomes (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216760/). The comparison of replication-competent and replication-deficient HSV-1 variants revealed that while both can exhibit oncolytic activity, their mechanisms and efficacy may differ, providing insights into optimizing therapeutic strategies (ref: Lindner doi.org/10.1111/imm.13775/). Furthermore, modifications to enhance the systemic anticancer efficacy of retargeted oncolytic HSVs have been investigated, with promising results indicating that altering glycoprotein interactions can improve therapeutic outcomes (ref: Vannini doi.org/10.3390/cancers16061143/). These findings highlight the potential of oncolytic viruses as a versatile platform for cancer therapy, warranting further exploration and clinical application.

Viral immune evasion mechanisms are critical for understanding how viruses persist and cause disease. Recent studies have identified histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) as a promoter of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation, which is targeted for degradation by orthopoxvirus proteins, including those from Monkeypox and Variola viruses (ref: Lu doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113788/). This highlights the intricate strategies employed by viruses to manipulate host immune responses. Additionally, the role of self-DNA in driving inflammation during COVID-19 and after mRNA vaccination has been explored, revealing insights into the broader implications of viral infections on immune regulation (ref: Heil doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1259879/). The performance of commercial immunoassays for detecting cytomegalovirus-specific IgM antibodies during pregnancy has also been scrutinized, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnostic tools to identify primary infections (ref: Daiminger doi.org/10.1128/jcm.01407-23/). Collectively, these studies underscore the complexity of viral immune evasion and the necessity for continued research to develop effective therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.

Vaccine development remains a pivotal area of research in combating viral infections, with recent studies focusing on the safety and immunogenicity of novel vaccines. A phase 1 trial of an mRNA-based cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine demonstrated promising safety profiles and immunogenic responses in both CMV-seronegative and -seropositive adults, indicating its potential for broader application (ref: Fierro doi.org/10.1093/infdis/). The burden of chickenpox complications in Poland has also been assessed, revealing trends in hospitalizations and emphasizing the importance of vaccination in preventing severe disease outcomes (ref: Halik doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.9.2300355/). Furthermore, the impact of human CMV seropositivity on the immunogenicity of oral rotavirus vaccines in HIV-exposed-uninfected infants was investigated, highlighting the nuanced interactions between viral infections and vaccine responses (ref: Laban doi.org/10.1093/cei/). Additionally, advancements in nanopore sequencing technology have facilitated the differentiation between wild-type and vaccine strains of varicella-zoster virus, enhancing our understanding of vaccine efficacy and strain circulation (ref: Fukuda doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.046/). These findings collectively underscore the critical role of vaccines in public health and the ongoing efforts to optimize their efficacy against viral infections.

The neurological impacts of viral infections, particularly those caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV), are an area of increasing concern. Recent research has highlighted the role of CMV in neurological disorders, with a systematic review indicating potential links between CMV infection and various neurological conditions, although the exact mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated (ref: Sanami doi.org/10.1002/rmv.2532/). The modulation of CMV immune evasion mechanisms has been shown to influence CD8 T-cell priming during immune reconstitution after hematopoietic cell transplantation, emphasizing the importance of timely immune responses in preventing CMV-related complications (ref: Holtappels doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1355153/). Additionally, the auditory pathway in congenitally CMV-infected fetuses has been examined, revealing significant alterations that may contribute to sensorineural hearing loss, a common outcome of CMV infection (ref: Gabrielli doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052636/). These studies collectively underscore the need for ongoing research into the neurological consequences of viral infections and the development of strategies to mitigate their impact on affected populations.

Research on herpes zoster (shingles) and its complications has gained attention, particularly in the context of vaccination strategies. A study examining the effectiveness of routine two-dose varicella vaccination in Japan revealed insights into the incidence of varicella outbreaks in nursery schools, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing disease spread (ref: Sakaue doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.075/). The relationship between COVID-19 vaccination experiences and uptake of other vaccines, including shingles, has been explored, suggesting that positive vaccination experiences can enhance overall vaccine uptake (ref: Luisi doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.003/). Furthermore, the development and validation of a high-performance liquid chromatography method for quantifying acyclovir and ganciclovir in pediatric patients underscores the importance of monitoring antiviral therapies in immunocompromised populations (ref: Franzin doi.org/10.3390/ijms25052685/). Additionally, advancements in nanopore sequencing technology have facilitated the differentiation between wild-type and vaccine strains of varicella-zoster virus, enhancing our understanding of vaccine efficacy and strain circulation (ref: Fukuda doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.046/). These findings collectively emphasize the critical role of vaccination in managing herpes zoster and related complications.