Current treatments for herpes: from traditional antiviral therapy to vaccines and genetic engineering (review)



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Abstract

Herpesvirus infections caused by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are among the most prevalent human viral infections and represent a significant global public health concern. According to the World Health Organization, billions of people worldwide are infected with various forms of herpesviruses. These infections not only result in physical discomfort, such as painful lesions and recurrent outbreaks affecting the skin and mucous membranes, but also lead to considerable emotional, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences. Given the widespread prevalence of herpes simplex virus and its ability to persist latently in the host, herpes management and prevention require a comprehensive and multifaceted approach.

This review explores current and emerging strategies for the treatment of herpesvirus infections. Traditional antiviral therapy, primarily based on acyclovir and related analogs, aims to suppress active viral replication but does not eradicate latent virus, thereby limiting its long-term efficacy. Consequently, growing attention is being directed toward innovative treatment modalities, including the development of novel antiviral agents, prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, genetic engineering approaches such as genome editing, and immunotherapies aimed at enhancing antiviral immune responses. Special emphasis is placed on the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus, challenges related to antiviral resistance, and the need for transformative strategies to control herpesvirus infections and reduce their societal burden.

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About the authors

Sofya N. Murashkina

The First Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Author for correspondence.
Email: sofya_murashkina12@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0006-0624-960X
SPIN-code: 6891-5654
Russian Federation, 4 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya st, bldg 1, Moscow, 119435

Elena V. Budanova

The First Sechenov Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University)

Email: e.v.budanova@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0003-1864-5635
SPIN-code: 8534-4691

MD, Cand. Sci. (Medicine), Associate Professor

Russian Federation, Moscow

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СМИ зарегистрировано Федеральной службой по надзору в сфере связи, информационных технологий и массовых коммуникаций (Роскомнадзор).
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