Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a significant human pathogen, particularly affecting neonates and immunocompromised individuals. Recent studies have elucidated various mechanisms by which HSV-1 facilitates its infection and pathogenesis. One study demonstrated that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) enhances HSV-1 lytic infection by promoting viral gene transcription and increasing the expression of viral receptors. Pharmacological inhibition or knockout of AhR resulted in reduced viral protein expression and infectious progeny, indicating its critical role in viral replication (ref: Huang doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1548038/). Furthermore, innovative tracking methods using carbon quantum dots have been developed to trace HSV-1 from the skin to the brain, providing insights into how the virus reaches the central nervous system and potentially contributes to neurodegenerative diseases (ref: Feng doi.org/10.1002/adma.202508464/). This tracking approach could lead to better understanding and treatment of HSV-1-related encephalitis and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, an optogenetic platform has been introduced for discovering compounds that modulate the integrated stress response (ISR), which may have therapeutic implications for viral infections, including HSV (ref: Wong doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2025.06.024/). Overall, these findings highlight the multifaceted interactions between HSV-1 and host cellular mechanisms, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies against HSV infections.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with various diseases, including chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Recent research has focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions. A comprehensive multiomics analysis of CAEBV revealed genetic and epigenetic features that contribute to the disease's heterogeneity and clinical variability (ref: Akazawa doi.org/10.1182/blood.2024026805/). Additionally, the EBNA leader protein (EBNA-LP) has been shown to orchestrate chromatin remodeling during EBV-induced B cell transformation, enhancing the interaction between enhancers and promoters, which is crucial for gene expression regulation (ref: Maestri doi.org/10.1093/nar/). In pediatric cases, single-cell transcriptomics has identified unique immunological characteristics of EBV-HLH, distinguishing it from benign EBV infections, thus providing insights into the divergent immune responses (ref: Shen doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62090-5/). These studies underscore the complexity of EBV pathogenesis and the need for targeted therapeutic approaches to manage EBV-associated diseases effectively.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) poses significant challenges, particularly in immunocompromised patients and during transplantation. Recent studies have explored various aspects of CMV infection and management strategies. A post hoc analysis of a randomized trial indicated that letermovir prophylaxis significantly reduced CMV DNAemia in kidney transplant recipients, particularly those with lower kidney function (ref: Budde doi.org/10.1016/j.ajt.2025.07.2471/). This highlights the importance of tailored prophylactic strategies based on patient characteristics. Furthermore, a novel T cell receptor-like antibody has shown promise in specifically targeting and eliminating CMV-infected cells, presenting a potential therapeutic avenue for patients with limited treatment options (ref: Chen doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-06815-6/). Additionally, the GATE glycoprotein complex has been identified as enhancing CMV entry into endothelial cells, which could inform future vaccine design efforts (ref: Norris doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-02025-4/). Collectively, these findings emphasize the need for continued research into CMV pathogenesis and innovative management strategies to mitigate its impact.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is known for causing chickenpox and herpes zoster (HZ), with significant implications for patient health, especially among immunocompromised populations. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in reducing the incidence of HZ and related complications. A retrospective cohort study indicated that RZV significantly lowered the risk of HZ and all-cause mortality among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (ref: Lin doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103319/). Furthermore, the long-term efficacy of RZV was confirmed in a comprehensive analysis of the ZOE-LTFU trial, showing sustained vaccine effectiveness against HZ and post-herpetic neuralgia (ref: Strezova doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103241/). Additionally, research has highlighted the vaccine's potential in preventing recurrent HZ among patients with inflammatory bowel disease, underscoring its importance in high-risk groups (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1093/ecco-jcc/). These findings reinforce the critical role of vaccination in managing VZV-related diseases and improving patient outcomes.

The interactions between viruses and the host immune response are complex and multifaceted, influencing disease outcomes and therapeutic strategies. Recent research has focused on the aging trajectories of memory CD8+ T cells in the context of chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, revealing how antigen specificity shapes these trajectories and impacts immune function (ref: Sturmlechner doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61627-y/). This highlights the importance of understanding T cell dynamics in chronic infections. Additionally, a randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as an adjunct treatment for herpes zoster, suggesting that CAP may enhance wound healing and pain recovery (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1007/s13555-025-01467-2/). Moreover, predictive blood-derived inflammation indexes have been studied for their potential in diagnosing varicella-zoster virus meningitis, indicating a need for reliable biomarkers in clinical settings (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1617460/). These studies collectively emphasize the necessity of understanding viral-host interactions to develop effective therapeutic and diagnostic tools.

The link between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases has garnered increasing attention, particularly regarding herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Recent studies have explored the mechanisms by which HSV-1 can lead to severe neurological outcomes, including encephalitis and potential contributions to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. An innovative approach utilizing carbon quantum dots has been developed to track HSV-1 from the skin to the brain, shedding light on the pathways the virus takes to reach the central nervous system (ref: Feng doi.org/10.1002/adma.202508464/). Additionally, research has indicated that taurine can ameliorate viral encephalitis by restoring mitophagy, a process crucial for maintaining mitochondrial health during HSV-1 infection (ref: Song doi.org/10.1080/15548627.2025.2538767/). These findings underscore the importance of understanding the interplay between viral infections and neurodegenerative processes, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

The development and evaluation of viral vaccines and therapeutics are critical in managing viral infections and their associated diseases. Recent studies have highlighted the effectiveness of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) in reducing herpes zoster incidence and all-cause mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations such as those with rheumatoid arthritis (ref: Lin doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103319/). Additionally, the comprehensive analysis of the EBV transcriptome has provided insights into potential therapeutic targets, identifying various transcript isoforms that could inform vaccine development (ref: Nguyen doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61870-3/). Furthermore, the use of T cell receptor-like antibodies to specifically target and eliminate CMV-infected cells represents a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with limited options (ref: Chen doi.org/10.1186/s12967-025-06815-6/). These advancements underscore the ongoing efforts to enhance vaccine efficacy and therapeutic interventions against viral infections.

Understanding viral pathogenesis and host interactions is essential for developing effective treatments and vaccines. Recent research has focused on the integrated stress response (ISR) and its modulation, which holds therapeutic potential for various viral infections, including HSV (ref: Wong doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2025.06.024/). Additionally, the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in facilitating HSV-1 lytic infection has been elucidated, demonstrating how AhR signaling enhances viral gene transcription and receptor expression (ref: Huang doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1548038/). These findings highlight the intricate interplay between viral mechanisms and host cellular responses, emphasizing the need for targeted therapeutic strategies that can disrupt these interactions to mitigate viral pathogenesis.