Nanocarrier-based drug-delivery system in herpes simplex virus treatment

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a highly contagious DNA virus that affects the majority of people worldwide. HSV establishes a latent infection in the ganglia, where it can reactivate, leading to recurrent disease. Currently, there are many experimental vaccines against HSV, but none have been used to treat herpes infections. At the same time, the therapeutic effect of existing anti-HSV drugs is limited. Nanocarriers, which deliver drugs to specific targets, have been used in different diseases, including viral infections. Nanocarriers could be designed to encapsulate drugs and directly target infected cells. This review will describe in detail the use of nanocarriers for targeted therapy of HSV infection. Plain language summary HSV is a widespread DNA virus that affects most people worldwide. Although there are many experimental vaccines against HSV, none have completed clinical trials and are put into use. At the same time, the therapeutic effect of existing anti-HSV drugs is limited. Nanocarriers, which can deliver drugs to specific targets, have been used in different diseases, including viral infections. Nanocarriers can be designed to wrap drugs and target infected cells directly. The application of nanocarriers in targeted therapy for HSV infection will be introduced in detail here. Tweetable abstract HSV is a widespread DNA virus that affects most people worldwide. Although there are many experimental vaccines against HSV, none have completed clinical trials and entered service. Meanwhile, the therapeutic effect of existing anti-HSV drugs is limited. Nanocarriers, which can deliver drugs to specific targets, have been used in different diseases, including viral infections. Nanocarriers can be designed to wrap drugs and directly target infected cells. Let's review the application of nanocarriers in targeted therapy for HSV infection.