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© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a human neurotropic herpes virus responsible for varicella and herpes zoster (HZ). Following primary infection in childhood, VZV manifests as varicella (chickenpox) and enters a period of latency within the dorsal root ganglion. A compromised cellular immune response due to aging or immunosuppression triggers viral reactivation and the development of HZ (shingles). Patients with autoimmune diseases have a higher risk of developing HZ owing to the immunodeficiency associated with the disease itself and/or the use of immunosuppressive agents. The introduction of new immunosuppressive agents with unique mechanisms has expanded the treatment options for autoimmune diseases but has also increased the risk of HZ. Specifically, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and anifrolumab have raised concerns regarding HZ. Despite treatment advances, a substantial number of patients suffer from complications such as postherpetic neuralgia for prolonged periods. The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is considered safe and effective even in immunocompromised patients. The widespread adoption of RZV may reduce the health and socioeconomic burdens of HZ patients. This review covers the link between VZV and autoimmune diseases, assesses the risk of HZ associated with immunosuppressant use, and discusses the benefits and risks of using RZV in patients with autoimmune diseases.

Details

Title
Exploring the Link between Varicella-Zoster Virus, Autoimmune Diseases, and the Role of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine
Author
Ishihara, Ryuhei 1 ; Watanabe, Ryu 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Shiomi, Mayu 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Katsushima, Masao 1 ; Fukumoto, Kazuo 1 ; Yamada, Shinsuke 1 ; Okano, Tadashi 2   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Hashimoto, Motomu 1 

 Department of Clinical Immunology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan 
 Center for Senile Degenerative Disorders (CSDD), Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan 
First page
739
Publication year
2024
Publication date
2024
Publisher
MDPI AG
e-ISSN
2218273X
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3084730024
Copyright
© 2024 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.