The cell-mediated adaptive immune response to herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis: mechanisms and clinical implications

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Herpes simplex virus encephalitis is the most common cause of sporadic encephalitis worldwide, with an incidence of 2-4 cases per 100,000 individuals annually.
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Aciclovir has reduced mortality from herpes simplex encephalitis from 75% to approximately 15-20%, but 40-60% of survivors experience long-term neurological sequelae.
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Cell-mediated immunity, involving CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, plays a dual role in herpes simplex virus encephalitis by protecting the host and causing neuroglial injury.
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Impairments in cell-mediated immunity can predispose individuals to herpes simplex encephalitis, influenced by genetic factors and immunosuppressive treatments.
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Understanding the mechanisms of cell-mediated immunity may lead to new immunomodulatory strategies and targeted vaccinations for herpes simplex virus encephalitis.

Frontiers In Immunology

by Louise Osborne, Cordelia Dunai, Yun Huang, Franklyn N. Egbe, Lance Turtle, Benedict D. Michael, Mark A. Ellul
July 10, 2026

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