Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection of Neurons Derived from Neural Stem Cells

Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) is a human herpesvirus that causes varicella (chickenpox) as primary infection, and, following variable period of ganglionic latency in neurons, it reactivates to cause herpes zoster (shingles). An analysis VZV infection cultures neural cells, particular when these have been obtained from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or consisting highly purified neuronal cultures, has revealed much data may be neurobiological significance. Early studies mature cultured were mainly descriptive, but more recent homogeneous cell used both markers and advanced molecular technology. Two general findings such (a) neurons less severe, based on several criteria, than observed fibroblasts, (b) does not lead apoptosis contrast fibroblastic cells. Insights gained suggest severe initial lytic which are resistant apoptosis, likely facilitate pathological pathway latent state the ganglia.