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Viruses
Special Issues
Herpesviruses and Associated Diseases
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Herpesviruses and Associated Diseases

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 July 2025 | Viewed by 6189

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sherif T. S. Hassan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Applied Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Interests: gene; infectious diseases; herpesviruses; pharmacology and toxicology; molecular medicine; oncology and hematology; cardiovascular diseases; natural products; drug discovery; analytical and bioanalytical techniques
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to delving into the complex world of herpesviruses and their associated diseases. Herpesviruses represent a diverse family of DNA viruses known for their ability to establish lifelong infections in their hosts, posing significant challenges to public health worldwide. These viruses are ubiquitous pathogens that infect a wide range of hosts, including humans and other animals. The family Herpesviridae comprises three subfamilies: Alphaherpesvirinae, Betaherpesvirinae, and Gammaherpesvirinae, each with distinct biological properties and associated diseases. The clinical spectrum of diseases caused by herpesviruses is broad, ranging from mild, self-limiting conditions to severe, life-threatening illnesses. Herpesvirus infections can affect various organ systems, including the skin, mucous membranes, central nervous system, and visceral organs, resulting in manifestations such as oral and genital ulcers, encephalitis, pneumonia, hepatitis, and certain types of cancer. Despite advances in molecular virology and immunology, many aspects of herpesvirus biology and pathogenesis remain not fully understood. Factors contributing to the complexity of herpesvirus infections include viral latency and reactivation, immune evasion strategies, host genetics, and environmental influences. Furthermore, the development of effective vaccines and antiviral therapies against herpesviruses remains a significant challenge, underscoring the need for continued research efforts in this field.

In this Special Issue, we aim to assemble a collection of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives from leading experts in the field of virology and infectious diseases. These contributions aim to deepen our understanding of herpesvirus–host interactions, identify novel therapeutic targets, and explore innovative approaches for the prevention and control of herpesvirus-associated diseases.

Dr. Sherif T. S. Hassan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • human herpesviruses
  • animal herpesviruses
  • viral latency and reactivation
  • immune evasion strategies
  • herpesvirus–host interactions
  • herpesvirus biology and pathogenesis
  • herpesvirus diagnosis
  • environmental factors
  • herpesvirus-associated diseases
  • prevention and treatment strategies
  • antiviral therapies
  • vaccine development

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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17 pages, 6691 KiB  
Article
Decoding Critical Targets and Signaling Pathways in EBV-Mediated Diseases Using Large Language Models
by Jingwen Yu, Yaohao Wang, Haidong Wang, Zhi Wei and Yonggang Pei
Viruses 2024, 16(11), 1660; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16111660 - 24 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1619
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), a member of the gamma herpesvirus, is the first identified human oncovirus and is associated with various malignancies. Understanding the intricate interactions between EBV antigens and cellular pathways is crucial to unraveling the molecular mechanisms in EBV-mediated diseases. However, fully [...] Read more.
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), a member of the gamma herpesvirus, is the first identified human oncovirus and is associated with various malignancies. Understanding the intricate interactions between EBV antigens and cellular pathways is crucial to unraveling the molecular mechanisms in EBV-mediated diseases. However, fully elucidating EBV–host interactions and the associated pathogenesis remains a significant challenge. In this study, we employed large language models (LLMs) to screen 36,105 EBV-relevant scientific publications and summarize the current literature landscape on various EBV-associated diseases like Burkitt lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and so on. LLM-generated data indicate that the most-studied EBV-associated pathways are enriched in immune response, apoptosis, cell growth, and replication. The analyses of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) reveal three principal EBV-related protein clusters: TP53-centered apoptotic factors, EBV-associated transcription factors, and immune response elements. Utilizing our dataset and public databases, we demonstrated that BLLF3-targeted TLR2-associated factors are effective diagnostic markers for DLBCL. Next, we confirmed the co-expression of LMP1-targeted calcium pathway factors in BL. Finally, we demonstrated the correlation and co-expression of LMP1-induced PARP1, HIF1A, HK2, and key glycolysis-related factors, further suggesting that LMP1 actively regulates the glycolysis pathway. Therefore, our study presents a comprehensive functional encyclopedia of the interactions between EBV antigens and host signaling pathways across various EBV-associated diseases, providing valuable insights for the development of therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herpesviruses and Associated Diseases)
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9 pages, 1518 KiB  
Article
Herpesvirus Antibody Response and Occurrence of Symptoms in Acute and Post-Acute COVID-19 Disease
by Julia Butt, Julia Simon, Tim Waterboer and Uta Merle
Viruses 2024, 16(10), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16101577 - 7 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1026
Abstract
Knowledge about the underlying causes of the individual occurrence of symptoms during acute COVID-19 disease and during the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 is limited. In a German COVID-19 follow-up study, we assessed whether elevated antibody responses to herpesviruses were associated with symptom occurrence [...] Read more.
Knowledge about the underlying causes of the individual occurrence of symptoms during acute COVID-19 disease and during the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 is limited. In a German COVID-19 follow-up study, we assessed whether elevated antibody responses to herpesviruses were associated with symptom occurrence in acute COVID-19 disease (n = 96 participants) and during 20 months of follow-up (n = 62 participants). Serum samples were analyzed for their antibodies to herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and -2, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) using fluorescent bead-based multiplex serology. The association of herpesvirus antibodies with symptom occurrence (fatigue, fever, dyspnea, decrease in taste, concentration problems) was assessed using multivariate logistic regression models. High EBV antibody levels were significantly associated with a more than fourfold increased odds of experiencing fatigue during acute COVID-19 disease and during follow-up. High CMV antibody levels were significantly associated with a more than threefold increased odds of experiencing concentration problems and a decrease in taste during the follow-up. The HSV-1 and -2 antibody levels were not elevated in the individuals that experienced symptoms. In conclusion, our findings indicate that herpesvirus infections, specifically EBV and CMV infections, might play a role in symptom development during acute and post-acute COVID-19 disease. It remains to be elucidated whether the elevated EBV and CMV antibodies determined in our study are indicators of herpesvirus reactivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herpesviruses and Associated Diseases)
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10 pages, 538 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Impact of Human Herpesviruses-Associated on CNS Infections: An Observational Study
by Caio Cesar L. B. Barrionuevo, Pedro P. A. Baptista, Ewerton F. da Silva, Bernardo M. da Silva, Cássia da L. Goulart, Sabrina A. de Melo, Valderjane A. da Silva, Lara Laycia A. de Souza, Rossicleia L. Monte, Fernando F. Almeida-Val, Pablo Vinícius S. Feitoza and Michele de S. Bastos
Viruses 2024, 16(9), 1437; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16091437 - 9 Sep 2024
Viewed by 906
Abstract
Human Herpesviruses (HHVs) play a significant role in neurological diseases such as encephalitis and meningitis, adding significant morbidity. This study aims to retrospectively analyze the effect of HHVs on patients with neurological symptoms, focusing on the Herpesviridae family’s contributions to central nervous system [...] Read more.
Human Herpesviruses (HHVs) play a significant role in neurological diseases such as encephalitis and meningitis, adding significant morbidity. This study aims to retrospectively analyze the effect of HHVs on patients with neurological symptoms, focusing on the Herpesviridae family’s contributions to central nervous system (CNS) infections. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 895 patients suspected of viral CNS infections, utilizing molecular diagnosis via qPCR to identify HHVs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. This was conducted at a reference tertiary care hospital for infectious diseases in the western Brazilian Amazon from January 2015 to December 2022, focusing on the Herpesviridae family’s clinical repercussions and of Cytomegalovirus in CNS infections. Results: The findings revealed that 7.5% of the analyzed samples tested positive for HHVs, with Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) being the most prevalent. A significant association was found between HHVs and neurological diseases such as encephalitis and meningitis, especially among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), highlighting the opportunistic nature of these viruses. The study underscores the critical role of CSF analysis in diagnosing CNS infections and the complexity of managing these infections in HIV patients due to their immunocompromised status. Conclusions: The results emphasize the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches and tailored treatment strategies for CNS infections in immunocompromised individuals. The study calls for ongoing research and advancements in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes facing CNS infections, particularly those caused by HHVs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herpesviruses and Associated Diseases)
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8 pages, 463 KiB  
Article
Analysis of HSV1/2 Infection Reveals an Association between HSV-2 Reactivation and Pregnancy
by Sara Dovrat, Adar Shabat, Anat Yahav-Dovrat, Zvia Soufiev, Ella Mendelson, Ela Kashi-Zagdoun and Galia Rahav
Viruses 2024, 16(9), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16091370 - 28 Aug 2024
Viewed by 911
Abstract
The herpes simplex viruses consist of the strains, HSV-1 and HSV-2, which are prevalent worldwide and lack a definitive cure. We aimed to explore the specific characteristics of HSV 1 and 2 infections, such as differences between gender assigned at birth, age at [...] Read more.
The herpes simplex viruses consist of the strains, HSV-1 and HSV-2, which are prevalent worldwide and lack a definitive cure. We aimed to explore the specific characteristics of HSV 1 and 2 infections, such as differences between gender assigned at birth, age at infection, site of infection, comorbidities, and effect of pregnancy, through a data analysis. Between 2011 and 2018, the Israeli Central Virology Laboratory diagnosed 9189 samples using multiplexed real-time PCR. In addition, we extracted all of the medical data for 287 females hospitalized at the Sheba Medical Center with HSV-1 (161) or HSV-2 (126) genital infections. HSV-2 was almost absent in the orofacial samples from both genders, while in other lesion sites, HSV-2 was significantly more abundant in females than in males (p < 0.05,). HSV-2 was initially detected at puberty. In the hospitalized females’ malignancies, both HSV-1 and HSV-2 were found with a non-significant difference. Simultaneously, pregnancies were more common in females who were HSV-2-positive compared with those who were HSV-1-positive (27.8% vs. 12.4%, respectively, p < 0.01). Primary infections occur more with HSV-1 than with HSV-2 (15.6% vs. 3.2%, respectively). Our findings demonstrate that genital HSV-2 infection episodes are more frequent during pregnancy, suggesting that pregnancy may serve as a risk factor for HSV-2 reactivation or infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herpesviruses and Associated Diseases)
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11 pages, 1138 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Role of Viruses in Pulpal and Apical Disease: A Systematic Review
by Katia Hermosilla Hermosilla, Paula Soto Cárdenas, Manuel Donoso Zuñiga, Cecilia Pérez Ñanco and Scarlette Hernández-Vigueras
Viruses 2024, 16(10), 1537; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16101537 - 28 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1094
Abstract
Apical lesions are diseases of infectious origin that can cause destruction of the surrounding periapical tissue, including bone tissue and periodontal ligaments, resulting in the loss of the affected teeth. Currently, the microorganisms present in pulp and apical disease are mostly studied as [...] Read more.
Apical lesions are diseases of infectious origin that can cause destruction of the surrounding periapical tissue, including bone tissue and periodontal ligaments, resulting in the loss of the affected teeth. Currently, the microorganisms present in pulp and apical disease are mostly studied as bacteria. However, in recent years, interest has been aroused in the study of viruses that could be present in apical lesions, and how these could affect the progression of disease. In the present study, we conducted a systematic review of the literature to evaluate and synthesize the scientific evidence on the presence of viruses and their possible role in pulpal and apical disease. This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA reporting guidelines. The search for studies was performed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. A total of seven studies published in the last 10 years were included. The types of samples used for virus analysis varied from one study to another. In all the included studies, the presence of any of the types of viruses studied was found, either in pulp or apical tissue. Herpesviridae family, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) stood out as the most commonly present in apical lesions. Further studies are required to clarify and understand the pathogenic role of viruses in pulpal and periapical disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herpesviruses and Associated Diseases)
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