THE IMMUNE-RESPONSE TO HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS

Several host immune mechanisms are activated in the course of a herpes simplex virus infection. These include natural resistance mechanisms (natural killer cells and interferon), antiviral antibodies and effector CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes. An important mechanism in the control of viral replication in epidermal cells involves the recruitment and activation of macrophages by CD4 T cells. In some instances, the action of CD4 T cells can lead to immune pathology following infection of the eye (stromal ketatitis) or central nervous system (demyelination). Despite the efficiency of the immune response in countering infection, the virus has evolved strategies to subvert the action of antibodies and complement and the detection of infected cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. © 1993 Academic Press. All rights reserved.