Researcher at Department of Clinical Immunology Publishes Research in Herpes Zoster Virus (Exploring the Link between Varicella-Zoster Virus, Autoimmune Diseases, and the Role of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine).

A recent research article published in Biomolecules explores the link between the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), autoimmune diseases, and the role of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV). The VZV is responsible for causing varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Patients with autoimmune diseases have a higher risk of developing shingles due to compromised immune responses. The introduction of new immunosuppressive agents has expanded treatment options for autoimmune diseases but has also increased the risk of shingles. The adjuvanted RZV is considered safe and effective, even in immunocompromised patients, and its widespread adoption may reduce the health and socioeconomic burdens of shingles. The article provides an overview of the link between VZV and autoimmune diseases, assesses the risk of shingles associated with immunosuppressant use, and discusses the benefits and risks of using RZV in patients with autoimmune diseases. [Extracted from the article]