Toggle Main Menu Toggle Search

Open Access padlockePrints

Varicella zoster virus immunity: A primer

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Christopher DuncanORCiD, Professor Sophie HambletonORCiD

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.


Abstract

Varicella zoster (VZV) is among the most prevalent viruses affecting the human race. The majority of us experience primary infection as varicella in childhood and remain latently infected, with occasional reactivation as the infectious entity, shingles. Rarely, VZV causes severe and disseminated disease, which can be fatal despite the availability of highly active antiviral agents. VZV is the only herpesvirus against which effective vaccines have been developed and widely implemented in several countries, further complicating its epidemiology. The immunological correlates of protection against varicella remain incompletely understood. Here we provide a brief overview of evidence from animal models and observational studies that define immunologic risk factors for severe varicella, and thus the most important elements of VZV immunity. Although circulating VZV-specific antibody can prevent primary infection, innate and cellular responses appear much more important in limiting its severity and duration. Improved understanding of these protective factors may assist us in developing more effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of severe varicella.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Duncan CJA, Hambleton S

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Infection

Year: 2015

Volume: 71

Issue: Suppl. 1

Pages: S47-S53

Print publication date: 22/06/2015

Online publication date: 25/04/2015

Acceptance date: 21/04/2015

ISSN (print): 0163-4453

ISSN (electronic): 1532-2742

URL: http://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(15)00108-5/abstract

DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2015.04.015

PubMed id: 25917799


Share