Verbeek R, Vandekerckhove L, Van Cleemput J. Update on human herpesvirus 7 pathogenesis and clinical aspects as a roadmap for future research.
J Virol 2024;
98:e0043724. [PMID:
38717112 PMCID:
PMC11237674 DOI:
10.1128/jvi.00437-24]
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Abstract
Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) is a common virus that is associated with various human diseases including febrile syndromes, dermatological lesions, neurological defects, and transplant complications. Still, HHV-7 remains one of the least studied members of all human betaherpesviruses. In addition, HHV-7-related research is mostly confined to case reports, while in vitro or in vivo studies unraveling basic virology, transmission mechanisms, and viral pathogenesis are sparse. Here, we discuss HHV-7-related literature linking clinical syndromes to the viral life cycle, epidemiology, and viral immunopathogenesis. Based on our review, we propose a hypothetical model of HHV-7 pathogenesis inside its host. Furthermore, we identify important knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research to better understand HHV-7 diseases and improve therapeutic interventions.
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