The role of host factors in HSV pathogenesis is further elucidated by Bai's identification of ZNF593 as a negative regulator of the cGAS-mediated innate immune response, which attenuates cGAS-DNA binding and subsequently reduces type I interferon production (ref: Bai doi.org/10.1038/s41418-025-01508-5/). This regulatory mechanism is crucial for understanding how HSV manipulates host defenses. Additionally, Koyanagi's research on the UL13 protein of HSV-2 revealed its mimicry of cyclin-dependent kinases, which may influence the regulation of lytic and latent infections, thereby providing insights into the viral life cycle and potential therapeutic targets (ref: Koyanagi doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2500264122/). Collectively, these studies highlight the multifaceted interactions between HSV and host immune mechanisms, emphasizing the need for continued research into targeted therapies that can disrupt these interactions and enhance antiviral responses.

Further investigations into the broader implications of HZ were conducted by Cai, who explored the rates of subsequent infections in US veterans following COVID-19, noting an increase in herpes simplex virus reactivation among those with a positive COVID-19 test (ref: Cai doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00831-4/). This suggests a potential interplay between viral infections and immune response dynamics. Additionally, the study by Saidoune on chilblains during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the role of type I interferon in immune responses, which may also intersect with HZ pathophysiology (ref: Saidoune doi.org/10.1084/jem.20231467/). These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive public health strategies that address the interconnectedness of viral infections and their long-term health consequences.

Kyritsi's study further explored the combination of oHSV with beta-blockers, revealing that this combination significantly enhances immune cell infiltration, particularly CD8+ T cells, in breast cancer models (ref: Kyritsi doi.org/10.1136/jitc-2024-011322/). This suggests that targeting the sympathetic nervous system may improve the efficacy of oHSV therapy. Additionally, Quadiri's work on adenovirus-based vaccines in HSV-2 infected guinea pigs highlighted the importance of tissue-resident T cells in providing protection against recurrent genital herpes, indicating that therapeutic vaccines could be a viable adjunct to oHSV therapy (ref: Quadiri doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2025.1568258/). These studies collectively underscore the potential of oHSV therapy, particularly when combined with other immunotherapeutic strategies, to enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve patient outcomes.

In the context of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and pseudorabies virus (PRV), Zheng's research demonstrated the potential of recombinant Lactobacillus vectors expressing IFITM3 to enhance anti-viral responses in mice, indicating a novel approach for vaccine development against viral infections (ref: Zheng doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127093/). Additionally, Liu's investigation into the long-term outcomes of patients with persistent EBV-DNA positivity revealed the clinical implications of rituximab therapy, with a notable percentage of patients achieving EBV-DNA negativity post-treatment (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2025.114695/). These studies collectively highlight the intricate relationships between viral infections and host genetics, underscoring the potential for targeted therapies that consider genetic predispositions.

In a different context, Bai's research on ZNF593's role in regulating the cGAS-mediated immune response highlights the importance of understanding host factors in vaccine development, as these factors can influence vaccine efficacy (ref: Bai doi.org/10.1038/s41418-025-01508-5/). Furthermore, the long-term safety and tolerability of Beremagene Geperpavec-svdt in patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa demonstrated high treatment satisfaction, although the impact on quality of life remains inconclusive (ref: Marinkovich doi.org/10.1007/s40257-025-00942-y/). These studies emphasize the need for ongoing research into the mechanisms of vaccine action and the factors that influence their success in diverse populations.

Nicastro's proof-of-concept study demonstrated that quantitative CMV-RNA could accurately identify clinically significant CMV infections in pediatric liver transplant patients, suggesting a potential shift towards RNA-based diagnostics for better management of CMV reactivation (ref: Nicastro doi.org/10.1002/jmv.70347/). Additionally, Baruah's research on MAPK signaling inhibition provided insights into suppressing CMV reactivation, indicating that targeting specific signaling pathways may offer new therapeutic avenues (ref: Baruah doi.org/10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106169/). These findings collectively underscore the importance of understanding CMV's clinical implications and the need for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Koyanagi's research on the clinical performance of the Savanna HSV 1+2/VZV Assay compared to traditional PCR methods revealed its reliability in detecting HSV and VZV from clinical specimens, emphasizing the importance of rapid and accurate diagnostic tools in managing herpes infections (ref: Koyanagi doi.org/10.1016/j.jmoldx.2025.03.009/). Furthermore, Tillmanns' exploration of the nuclear egress complex as a target for antiviral drug development underscores the need for innovative therapeutic strategies to combat herpesvirus infections (ref: Tillmanns doi.org/10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106168/). These studies collectively illustrate the ongoing evolution of diagnostic and therapeutic methodologies in the fight against herpes-related diseases.

Xia's nationwide survey on HZ vaccination coverage among adults aged 40 and older in China highlighted the low uptake of the herpes zoster vaccine, emphasizing the need for public health campaigns to improve vaccination rates (ref: Xia doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127122/). Additionally, the pharmacovigilance analysis of drug-induced herpes zoster revealed a significant number of adverse event reports, indicating the need for awareness among healthcare providers regarding potential drug-related risks (ref: Xia doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1565480/). These findings collectively stress the importance of understanding the epidemiological trends of herpes zoster and implementing effective public health strategies to mitigate its impact.