Reactivation of herpes simplex virus: the role of cytokines and intracellular factors

Considerable progress has been achieved in relating environmental stimuli a nd viral genetics to herpes simplex virus reactivation. The cytokines IL-1, IL-6, nerve growth factor NGF, and interferons have been implicated in her pes simplex virus reactivation. These molecules may act as signals which co nvey important information about the environment to the latent viral genome . Herpes simplex virus latency associated transcript expression is importan t for viral reactivation. The function of these unique viral RNA's is not c ompletely understood, but they appear to be necessary for the efficient est ablishment of a latent infection in the ganglion. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the herpes simplex virus reactivation can be exp ected to lead to novel effective treatments for herpes simplex diseases. Cu rr Opin Infect Dis 12:235-238. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.