HSV-2 Pathogenesis and Host Defense Mechanisms
A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Virology and Viral Diseases".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2027 | Viewed by 33
Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) remains a major global public health challenge. As the main cause of genital herpes, it is also an important cofactor for HIV-1 acquisition, adding further complexity to its clinical impact. After initial infection at mucosal surfaces, the virus establishes lifelong latency in sensory ganglia. Periodic reactivation then leads to viral shedding and recurrent painful lesions, driving a cycle of disease that places a substantial, often underappreciated, physical and psychological burden on affected individuals.
Despite decades of research, our lack of an integrated understanding of how HSV-2 persists continues to limit progress toward curative strategies and effective vaccines.
To help address this, we are organizing a Special Issue that brings together work from across the field, from basic virology to clinical research. We welcome original articles, short reports, and reviews that go beyond description to explore mechanisms, particularly studies focused on the following topics.
- Host immune responses to HSV-2: early sensing and coordinated innate and adaptive immune dynamics during infection and latency.
- Viral immune evasion and persistence strategies: mechanisms that enable HSV-2 to counteract host immunity and maintain lifelong infection.
- Adaptive immunity in infection and latency: roles and regulation of T cells and B cells in controlling or failing to control HSV-2.
- Translational advances: work connecting mechanistic insights to prevention and therapy.
Our aim is to assemble a focused collection that moves the field forward and sharpens our understanding of how to control this virus. We look forward to your contributions and the latest advances from your laboratories.
Dr. Qinxue Hu
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- HSV-2
- genital herpes
- innate immunity
- adapt immunity
- immune evasion
- latency
- pathogenesis
- translational research
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