title: [Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)].
abstract: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella in primary infection and zoster after reactivation from latency. Both herpes simplex virus (HSV) and VZV are classified into the same alpha-herpesvirus subfamily. Although most VZV genes have their HSV homologs, VZV has many unique biological characteristics. In this review, we summarized recent studies on 1) animal models for VZV infection and outcomes from studies using the models, including 2) viral dissemination processes from respiratory mucosa, T cells, to skin, 3) cellular receptors for VZV entry, 4) functions of viral genes required uniquely for in vivo growth and for establishment of latency, 5) host immune responses and viral immune evasion mechanisms, and 6) varicella vaccine and anti-VZV drugs.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Herpesviruses, Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases 1-23-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640.
authors.forename: Kyosuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kanai
authors.forename: Souichi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yamada
authors.forename: Naoki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Inoue
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D019433:Chickenpox Vaccine; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D015195:Drug Design; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D009420:Nervous System / Q000821:virology; D011991:Receptors, Virus; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000821:virology; D012867:Skin / Q000821:virology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D014613:Vaccines, Attenuated; D017735:Virus Latency / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D019433:Chickenpox Vaccine; D011991:Receptors, Virus; D014613:Vaccines, Attenuated