Research on Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) has focused on various therapeutic approaches and the understanding of immune responses associated with the virus. A notable study developed a pH-responsive baicalein@chitosan hydrogel for the topical treatment of HSV-1 skin infections, demonstrating significant therapeutic potential due to the low pH environment following infection (ref: Lu doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202403961/). In the context of herpes zoster ophthalmicus, low-dose valacyclovir was evaluated in two randomized clinical trials. The first trial indicated that valacyclovir significantly reduced the occurrence of new or worsening keratitis and other complications over 12 and 18 months, with hazard ratios of 0.77 and 0.73, respectively (ref: Cohen doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.6114/). The second trial further confirmed that valacyclovir treatment reduced the prevalence and severity of postherpetic neuralgia, particularly in younger patients, with mean pain scores significantly lower than those in the placebo group (ref: Warner doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.6113/). Additionally, the protective effects of recombinant zoster vaccine and antiviral therapy against cardiovascular disease following herpes zoster infection were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and antiviral strategies in mitigating long-term health risks (ref: Xu doi.org/10.1093/infdis/). Furthermore, the study of autoimmune encephalitis revealed distinct immune cell population changes compared to herpesvirus-associated encephalitis, providing insights into the immunopathogenesis of these conditions (ref: Räuber doi.org/10.1016/j.jaut.2025.103396/).

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) studies have explored various aspects of the virus, including its immune evasion mechanisms and implications for health. One significant finding was the role of splenic TNF-α signaling in enhancing the transition of antiviral NK cells from innate to adaptive responses during CMV infection, highlighting the complexity of immune interactions (ref: Mujal doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2025.02.012/). Another study demonstrated that the pentameric complex of CMV is not essential for congenital transmission in seronegative rhesus macaques, suggesting alternative pathways for vertical transmission (ref: Wang doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.adm8961/). Additionally, research indicated that human leukocyte antigen variation is associated with CMV serostatus, providing insights into genetic factors influencing susceptibility to CMV infection (ref: Boquett doi.org/10.1016/j.ajhg.2025.02.007/). The discovery of neuron-restricted latency of CMV in the central nervous system regulated by CD4 T cells adds a new dimension to our understanding of CMV's persistence and potential pathogenicity (ref: Krstanović doi.org/10.1186/s12974-025-03422-6/). Furthermore, the identification of DR5 as a restriction factor for human herpesviruses underscores the ongoing battle between viral evasion strategies and host immune defenses (ref: Han doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2417372122/).

Research on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) has elucidated its role in various malignancies and immune dysregulation. A pivotal study revealed that EBV hijacks histone demethylase machinery to promote the progression of epithelial malignancies, particularly nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and gastric cancer, through the upregulation of KDM5B (ref: Zhou doi.org/10.1038/s41392-025-02163-5/). Another investigation demonstrated that EBV infection leads to T cell dysregulation in a humanized mouse model of multiple sclerosis, indicating a potential mechanism linking EBV to autoimmune conditions (ref: Allanach doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adu5110/). High-dimensional imaging studies have further revealed the immune microenvironment in multiple sclerosis lesions, showing enrichment of EBV markers, which may contribute to disease progression (ref: Orr doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2425670122/). Additionally, the incorporation of EBV genetic variation into survival prediction models for Burkitt lymphoma highlights the importance of understanding viral genetics in cancer prognosis (ref: Kim doi.org/10.1002/ijc.35384/). Lastly, the immune evasion strategies employed by HSV-1, including the suppression of CD1d expression and NKT cell function, illustrate the complex interactions between herpesviruses and host immune responses (ref: Qiu doi.org/10.1128/jvi.02140-24/).

Vaccine development and immunization strategies have been a focal point in addressing herpes zoster and other viral infections. A study highlighted the efficacy of a highly stable lyophilized mRNA vaccine for herpes zoster, which elicited robust cellular and humoral immune responses, suggesting a promising alternative to existing vaccines with high reactogenicity (ref: Munoz-Moreno doi.org/10.1038/s41541-025-01093-1/). Furthermore, a nationwide study examined the risk of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in psoriasis patients treated with biologics, finding that ustekinumab was associated with a significantly reduced risk of these complications (ref: Lee doi.org/10.1093/bjd/). The influence of perceived influenza-like symptoms on the intention to receive seasonal influenza vaccination was also explored, revealing no significant association, which may inform public health strategies (ref: Eilers doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22144-1/). Additionally, health education interventions aimed at improving herpes zoster vaccine willingness among vulnerable elderly populations showed promise, indicating the need for targeted educational efforts to enhance vaccination rates (ref: Zhang doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.126975/).

The pathogenesis and immune evasion strategies of herpesviruses have been extensively studied, particularly in relation to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). Research using high-dimensional imaging techniques has provided insights into the immune microenvironment of multiple sclerosis lesions, revealing a significant presence of EBV markers that may contribute to disease progression (ref: Orr doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2425670122/). Additionally, HSV-1 has been shown to impair mucosal-associated invariant T cells, which play crucial roles in antiviral immunity, indicating a sophisticated mechanism of immune evasion (ref: Stern doi.org/10.1128/mbio.03887-24/). The recruitment of cellular NEDD4-family ubiquitin ligases by HSV-1 UL56 protein to suppress CD1d expression further illustrates the virus's ability to manipulate host immune responses (ref: Qiu doi.org/10.1128/jvi.02140-24/). Moreover, murine models have demonstrated that HSV-1 DNA can persist in nasal-associated lymphoid tissue during latency, with dexamethasone triggering viral replication, highlighting the complexities of herpesvirus latency and reactivation (ref: Harrison doi.org/10.1128/jvi.02251-24/).

Clinical outcomes and patient management strategies related to herpesvirus infections have been a significant area of focus. A study on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in nonendemic regions revealed that EBV positivity rates varied significantly by race and WHO type, indicating the need for tailored management approaches based on demographic factors (ref: Alsavaf doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.1895/). In Malawi, a high prevalence of Haemophilus ducreyi among patients with suspected primary syphilis was reported, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnostics in managing genital ulcer disease (ref: Matoga doi.org/10.1093/cid/). Furthermore, the EBV-encoded protein BSRF1 was found to modulate interferon-mediated antiviral responses by inhibiting NF-κB activity, which could have implications for treatment strategies in EBV-related diseases (ref: Chen doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.141600/). The increasing prevalence of herpetic uveitis in the elderly population underscores the need for awareness and management strategies to address ocular complications associated with herpesvirus infections (ref: Zong doi.org/10.1002/jmv.70286/). Lastly, the study of EBV sequence variations among nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients of diverse ancestries in Southeast Asia highlights the importance of understanding genetic factors in patient management and treatment outcomes (ref: Tee doi.org/10.1002/jmv.70269/).

Advancements in diagnostics and detection methods for herpesviruses have been critical in improving clinical outcomes. A study comparing dried blood spot (DBS) PCR with plasma PCR for diagnosing congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection found that while DBS PCR has lower sensitivity, it can still be a useful retrospective diagnostic tool beyond the neonatal period (ref: Shimamura doi.org/10.1002/jmv.70257/). Additionally, high EBV DNA loads in T cells were identified as predictive markers for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, providing valuable insights for early diagnosis and intervention (ref: Fang doi.org/10.1093/infdis/). The association of cytomegalovirus serostatus with ELOVL2 methylation highlights the potential for using molecular biomarkers in assessing the impact of CMV on aging and related health risks (ref: Giacconi doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2025.112043/). Furthermore, the study of silver nanoparticles functionalized with tannic acid demonstrated strong antiviral activity against HSV-2, suggesting innovative approaches for therapeutic development (ref: Tomaszewska doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S496050/).