Abstract: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes infection recurrence by lurking in the host sensory ganglia and periodically reactivating. Some gene products of HSV are helpful to maintain its latent state and evade host immune surveillance by inhibiting the autophagy of infected cells and the antiviral effects of the hosts. The effect of traditional antiviral drugs has been limited due to drug-resistance. New antiviral drugs, such as Pritelivir and Amenamevir can significantly inhibit virus replication and reduce virus shedding. The update of the mechanism and treatment of herpes simplex virus infection is reviewed in this paper.

Key words: herpes simplex virus, recurrent mechanism, antiviral therapy