Abstract

Herpes simplex viruses type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are highly prevalent in the human population and elicit lifelong infections by remaining latent in neurons from where they sporadically reactivate. These viruses have evolved numerous molecular mechanisms to evade the host's immediate antiviral response, as well as innate and adaptive immune components. Although multiple drugs exist for treating HSV infection, they are somewhat poorly effective for some clinical manifestations and drug-resistant variants may emerge in both, immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals. Here, we review and discuss the epidemiology of HSV infection, the diseases they produce, vaccine and drug research over these viruses, their replication cycle and the evasion of host antiviral responses.