Research on herpes simplex virus (HSV) has highlighted various aspects of its pathology and potential therapeutic interventions. One significant study investigated the role of berberine in herpes simplex keratitis (HSK), revealing that berberine interacts with eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 2 (EIF2AK2) to mitigate the effects of HSV-1 on corneal cells (ref: Lin doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2025.157112/). Another important finding was the association of specific viral antibodies with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis following herpes simplex encephalitis, indicating a potential biomarker for predicting neurological outcomes in affected patients (ref: Kreye doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2025.106073/). Additionally, the development of oncolytic HSV engineered to express interleukin-12 and interleukin-15 demonstrated promising antitumor effects, suggesting a dual role for HSV in both viral pathogenesis and cancer therapy (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1016/j.omton.2025.201025/). These studies collectively underscore the complexity of HSV interactions with host immune responses and the potential for therapeutic exploitation of these interactions.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) research has focused on its immune evasion strategies and implications for various health conditions. A pivotal study demonstrated that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) produces long non-coding RNA that inhibits the cGAS-mediated immune response, facilitating viral infection in fibroblasts (ref: Lee doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-02078-5/). Another investigation utilized chromatin conformation capture to reveal how CMV alters host chromatin organization, which correlates with transcriptional changes that may contribute to disease pathology (ref: Rosencrance doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62921-5/). Furthermore, a study on the immunological profiles of pregnant women with preconception immunity to CMV highlighted the complexities of vertical transmission and its implications for fetal health (ref: Zelini doi.org/10.1016/j.lanmic.2025.101162/). These findings illustrate the multifaceted interactions between CMV and host immune mechanisms, emphasizing the need for continued research into effective therapeutic strategies.

Research on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has elucidated its role in various malignancies and immune dysregulation. One study revealed that EBV interacts with host chromatin to reorganize the 3D genome, promoting metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through the hijacking of KDM5B, a key regulator of genome stability (ref: Chung doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61597-1/). Another significant finding linked EBV seropositivity to immune dysregulation and increased mortality in pediatric sepsis, suggesting that EBV may exacerbate outcomes in critically ill children (ref: Sriram doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.27487/). Additionally, the role of EBV in gastric cancer was highlighted through studies examining the regulation of EphA2 phosphorylation, which is implicated in the lytic reactivation of EBV and tumor progression (ref: Shi doi.org/10.1038/s41416-025-03131-0/). These studies collectively underscore the intricate relationship between EBV and cancer biology, warranting further exploration of therapeutic interventions targeting EBV-related pathways.

The landscape of herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination has evolved with recent studies evaluating new vaccine candidates and their efficacy. A randomized controlled trial compared a novel recombinant gE-Fc fusion protein vaccine with the licensed adjuvanted recombinant glycoprotein E (gE) subunit vaccine, demonstrating comparable immunogenicity and safety profiles in older adults (ref: Jin doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62800-z/). Another study assessed the effectiveness of the recombinant zoster vaccine against herpes zoster ophthalmicus and its association with reduced risks of acute myocardial infarction and stroke, highlighting the broader health benefits of vaccination in older populations (ref: Rayens doi.org/10.1093/cid/). Additionally, a phase 3 trial focused on the safety and immunogenicity of the recombinant zoster vaccine in adults with a history of HZ, reinforcing the vaccine's role in preventing recurrence (ref: Jegede doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106573/). These findings emphasize the importance of vaccination strategies in mitigating the burden of herpes zoster and its complications.

Research into viral infections and the immune response has revealed critical insights into detection and treatment strategies. A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of deep learning algorithms for early detection of sexually transmitted infections from skin lesions, indicating promising accuracy but highlighting challenges in generalizability due to limited data diversity (ref: Liu doi.org/10.1016/j.landig.2025.100894/). Furthermore, the immunosuppressive effects of JAK inhibitors were examined, identifying N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors as potential broad-spectrum antivirals to counteract infections exacerbated by these therapies (ref: Witwit doi.org/10.1016/j.antiviral.2025.106258/). Additionally, studies on EBV-specific T cell dysfunction in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma provided insights into the mechanisms of immune evasion by the virus (ref: Gao doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-14723-7/). Collectively, these studies underscore the need for innovative approaches to enhance detection and treatment of viral infections, particularly in immunocompromised populations.

Oncolytic virus therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment, with recent studies exploring its mechanisms and efficacy. A study identified BRD9 inhibition as a means to overcome resistance to oncolytic virus therapy in glioblastoma, suggesting that targeting specific tumor-intrinsic factors may enhance therapeutic outcomes (ref: Guo doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.102258/). Another investigation focused on an engineered oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV) expressing interleukin-12 and interleukin-15, demonstrating its ability to selectively target and destroy tumor cells while stimulating an immune response (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1016/j.omton.2025.201025/). Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of the safety signals associated with talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) highlighted the importance of monitoring adverse events in post-market evaluations (ref: Cai doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.178056/). These findings collectively support the potential of oncolytic virus therapies as effective cancer treatments, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to optimize their application.

The neurotropism of herpesviruses has significant implications for understanding their pathogenicity and neurological outcomes. A study demonstrated that alphaherpesviruses predominantly affect specific brain regions, such as the mesiotemporal and prefrontal cortices, with viral antigen detected shortly after inoculation, indicating rapid neuroinvasion (ref: Korff doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2025.08.024/). Another investigation into Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 revealed that the virus depletes cells of DEAD-box helicase 3 protein by packaging it into virions, suggesting a novel mechanism by which the virus manipulates host cellular machinery (ref: Piazza doi.org/10.3390/v17081124/). These studies highlight the intricate interactions between herpesviruses and the nervous system, underscoring the need for further research into their neurological effects and potential therapeutic targets.

Advancements in diagnostics and therapeutics for herpesvirus infections have been significant, particularly in the context of encephalitis. A study assessing the diagnostic value of the 'insular knife-cut' sign in suspected herpes simplex virus encephalitis found that this sign was present in over half of HSVE patients, indicating its strong predictive value for diagnosis (ref: Marini doi.org/10.1111/ene.70152/). Additionally, research into the nuclear egress mechanisms of human herpesvirus 6A provided insights into the viral lifecycle and potential therapeutic targets (ref: Gulijiahani doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00844-25/). Furthermore, the identification of Epstein-Barr virus BORF2 sequences critical for the relocalization of immune factors underscores the complexity of viral interactions with host immune responses (ref: Clark doi.org/10.1128/jvi.00693-25/). These findings collectively emphasize the importance of continued innovation in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to combat herpesvirus-related diseases.