Antiviral Effect of Ferula Plants and their Potential for Treatment of COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review.

Viral diseases have always been a threat to mankind throughout history, and many people have lost their lives due to the epidemic of these diseases. In recent years, despite the progress of science, we are still witnessing a pandemic of dangerous diseases such as COVID-19 all over the world, which can be a warning for humanity. Ferula is a genus of flowering plants commonly found in Central Asia, and its species have shown antiviral activity against a variety of viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus, Herpes simplex virus type 1, influenza, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, and coronaviruses. In this study, we intend to review the antiviral effects of Ferula plants, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of these plants in the treatment of COVID-19. Google, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched to review the relevant literature on the antiviral effect of Ferula or its isolated compounds. The search was performed using the keywords Ferula, antiviral, Coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, Herpes simplex virus type 1, influenza, human immunodeficiency virus, and hepatitis B. According to the reviewed articles and available scientific evidence, it was determined that the plants of this genus have strong antiviral effects. Also, clinical studies have shown that some species, such as Ferula assa-foetida, can be used effectively in the treatment of COVID-19. Ferula plants have inhibitory effects on various viruses, making them an attractive alternative to conventional antiviral agents. Therefore, these plants are a natural source of valuable compounds that can help us fight infectious diseases.

Antiviral activity of temporin-1CEb analogues against gingival infection with herpes simplex virus type 1.

Introduction: Oral herpes infections caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) are one of the most common in the human population. Recently, they have been classified as an increasing problem in immunocompromised patients and those suffering from chronic inflammation of the oral mucosa and gums. Treatment mainly involves nucleoside analogues, such as acyclovir and its derivatives, which reduce virus replication and shedding. As drug-resistant strains of herpes emerge rapidly, there is a need for the development of novel anti-herpes agents. The aim of the study was to design an antiviral peptide, based on natural compounds, non-toxic to the host, and efficient against drug-resistant HSV-1. Here, we designed a lysine-rich derivative of amphibian temporin-1CEb conjugated to peptides penetrating the host cell membrane and examined their activity against HSV-1 infection of oral mucosa. Methods: We assessed the antiviral efficiency of the tested compound in simple 2D cell models (VeroE6 and TIGKs cells) and a 3D organotypic model of human gingiva (OTG) using titration assay, qPCR, and confocal imaging. To identify the molecular mechanism of antiviral activity, we applied the Azure A metachromatic test, and attachment assays techniques. Toxicity of the conjugates was examined using XTT and LDH assays. Results: Our results showed that temporin-1CEb analogues significantly reduce viral replication in oral mucosa. The mechanism of peptide analogues is based on the interaction with heparan sulfate, leading to the reduce attachment of HSV-1 to the cell membrane. Moreover, temporin-1CEb conjugates effectively penetrate the gingival tissue being effective against acyclovir-resistant strains. Collectively, we showed that temporin-1CEb can be regarded as a novel, naturally derived antiviral compound for HSV-1 treatment.

Combined Effect of Basic Antiherpetic Drugs with a New Inhibitor of the Terminase Complex of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in Vero Cell Cultures.

Abstract-Carriers of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) account for more than 90% of the global population. Infection manifests itself in the formation of blisters and ulcers on the face or genitals and can cause blindness, encephalitis, and generalized infection. All first- and second-line modern antiherpetic drugs selectively inhibit viral DNA polymerase. The purine-benzoxazine conjugate LAS-131 ((S)-4-[6-(purin-6-yl)aminohexanoyl]-7,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2H-[1,4]benzoxazine), which we have described earlier, uses the large subunit of the HSV-1 terminase complex as a biotarget and selectively inhibits HSV-1 reproduction in vitro. Basically new results were for the first time obtained to characterize the combined effect on human herpesvirus infection for LAS-131 used in combination with practically significant antiviral compounds, including the nucleoside analogs acyclovir (ACV), penciclovir (PCV), ganciclovir (GCV), brivudine (BVdU), iododeoxyuridine (IdU), and adenine arabinoside (Ara-A); the nucleoside phosphonate analog cidofovir (CDV); and the pyrophosphate analog foscarnet (FOS). A cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay showed that the drug concentration that inhibited the virus-induced CPE by 50% decreased by a factor of 2 (an additive effect, FOS) or more (a synergistic effect; ACV, PCV, GCV, IdU, BVdU, Ara-A, and CDV) when the drugs were used in combination with LAS-131. Nonpermissive conditions for HSV-1 reproduction were thus created at lower drug concentrations, opening up new real possibilities to control human herpesvirus infection.

Misdiagnosed as Fungal Keratitis: Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Keratitis Confirmed by Next-Generation Sequencing.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to report a case of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) keratitis misdiagnosed as fungal keratitis due to its clinical presentation being similar to that of fungal keratitis, ultimately diagnosed by NGS. Patients and Methods: A 59-year-old male presented with reduced vision in the right eye, combined with a history of trauma with vegetative matter. The corneal ulcer was accompanied with feathery infiltration, satellite lesion, and endothelial plaques. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) showed hyper-reflective linear, thin, and branching interlocking structures. Fungal keratitis was diagnosed. Voriconazole 100 mg orally daily, topical tobramycin and 1% voriconazole were initiated empirically right away. The condition was aggravated and penetrating keratoplasty was performed. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) demonstrated the presence of plaques with a clear boundary between plaques and endothelium, resembling the AS-OCT images observed in cases of viral keratitis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) further detected HSV-1 deoxyribonucleic acid, and no fungal component was found. Antifungal agents were discontinued and antiviral treatments were added. Results: We successfully treated a patient with HSV-1 keratitis who was misdiagnosed due to clinical features and IVCM findings similar to fungal keratitis. The patient's infection was controlled. At 2 years after surgery, the cornea recovered well. Conclusions: HSV-1 keratitis with atypical clinical presentation can be easily misdiagnosed. This case report emphasizes the importance of NGS in diagnosing the pathogens of keratitis.

Sexually transmitted infections among active component members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 2015-2023.

This report summarizes incidence rates and trends of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from 2015 through 2023 among active component service members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The data compiled for this report are derived from the medical surveillance of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis as nationally notifiable diseases. Case data for 2 additional STIs, human papilloma virus (HPV) and genital herpes simplex virus (HSV), are also presented. The crude total case rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea initially rose by an average of 6.7% and 9.8% per year, respectively, until 2019. From 2020 onwards, rates steadily declined. By 2023, chlamydia rates had dropped by approximately 39%, while gonorrhea rates had fallen by more than 40% for female, and 19% for male, service members. Initially syphilis increased, on average, 10% annually from 2015 to 2019, then declined in 2020, but resumed its upward trend through 2023, nearly doubling the 2015 rate in 2023. The total crude annual incidence rates of genital HPV and HSV exhibited downward trends in general over the surveillance period, decreasing by 30.7% and 24.7%, respectively. Age- and gender-adjusted case rates for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis remain elevated within the U.S. Armed Forces compared to the general U.S. population, which may be due to factors that include mandatory STI screening, more complete reporting, incomplete adjustment for age distribution, and inequitable comparisons between the military active duty and general U.S. populations. Social restrictions enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to declines in true case rates and screening coverage.

Corrigendum: Innovative retargeted oncolytic herpesvirus against nectin4-positive cancers.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1149973.].

Diagnosis and management of a herpes nipple infection that resulted in neonatal HSV encephalitis.

We present a case of a primigravida in her 30s who had a caesarean delivery of dichorionic diamniotic twins at 33 weeks of gestation. Her postpartum course was complicated by a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection of her nipple, found after her neonates were diagnosed with HSV encephalitis. She was evaluated at her 3-week postpartum visit and reported that her neonates were concurrently admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with disseminated neonatal HSV-1. The patient and her partner were in a monogamous relationship with no known history of HSV. Physical examination demonstrated a vertical fissure on the face of her right nipple and a small cluster of vesicles on her left hand. PCR swabs of the lesions were positive for HSV-1 at both locations. The patient was started on oral valacyclovir 1000 mg two times per day, topical acyclovir ointment applied 4-6 times per day and mupirocin ointment applied 3 times per day to her breast with resolution of her breast lesions. She was able to continue expressing her breastmilk with the help of a pump and then resumed breastfeeding once her infection was cleared. Her infants recovered after prolonged parenteral antiviral therapy with age-appropriate development at follow-up.

Epidemiological trends in viral meningitis in England: Prospective national surveillance, 2013-2023.

BACKGROUND: In the conjugate vaccine era, viruses are the most common cause of meningitis. Here, we evaluated epidemiological trends in laboratory-confirmed viral meningitis across all age-groups over an 11-year period in England. METHODS: In England, hospital laboratories routinely report laboratory-confirmed infections electronically to the UK Health Security Agency. Records of positive viral detections in cerebrospinal fluid during 2013-2023 were extracted. Incidence rates with confidence intervals were calculated using mid-year resident population estimates. RESULTS: There were 22,114 laboratory-confirmed viral meningitis cases, including 15,299 cases during 2013-19 (pre COVID-19), with a gradual increase in incidence from 3.5/100,00 (95%CI: 3.3-3.6) to 3.9/100,000 (95%CI: 3.6-4.1). During 2020-21 when pandemic restrictions were in place, there were 2061 cases (1.8/100,000; 1.7-1.9), which increased to 4754 (4.2/100,000; 4.0-4.3) during 2022-23 (post pandemic restrictions). Infants aged <3 months accounted for 39.4% (8702/22,048) of all cases, with a stable incidence 2013-19 (504/100,000, 95%CI: 491-517), followed by a significant decline during 2020-21 (204/100,000; 188-221) and then an increase during 2022-23 (780/100,000; 749-812), with enteroviruses being the commonest cause (84.9%, 7387/8702; 424.74/100,000; 95%CI: 415.12-434.51), followed by parechoviruses (9.1%, 792/8702; 45.54/100,000; 95%CI: 42.42-48.82) and herpes simplex virus (4.4%, 380/8702; 21.85/100,000; 95%CI: 19.71-24.16). Pandemic restrictions were associated with significant declines in the incidence of enterovirus (77.7%) and parechoviruses (64% lower), with rebounds after societal restrictions were lifted. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of viral meningitis have returned to pre-pandemic levels since societal restrictions were lifted. The highest incidence of viral meningitis remains in infants aged <3 months and most commonly due to enteroviral infection.

Seroprevalence of human herpes viruses in France, 2018-2022: a multilevel regression and poststratification approach.

BACKGROUND: Information related to herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and 2), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) seroprevalence in France is either lacking, incomplete, or outdated, despite their public health burden. METHOD: We used routinely collected serological data between 2018 and 2022 to estimate HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, and CMV seroprevalence in France. To account for demographic differences between our analytic samples and the French population and get estimates for sparsely sampled districts and age classes, we used a multilevel regression and poststratification approach combined with Bayesian model averaging via stacking weights. RESULTS: The observed seroprevalence (number of positive tests/number of tests) were 64.6% (93,294/144,424), 16.9% (24,316/144,159), 93.0% (141,419/152,084), 83.4% (63,199/75, 781), and 49.0% (23,276/47,525), respectively, for HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, and CMV. Between 2018 and 2022, France had a model-based average (equal-tailed interval at 95%) expected seroprevalence equal to 61.1% (60.7,61.5), 14.5% (14.2,14.81), 89.5% (89.3,89.8), 85.6% (85.2,86.0), and 50.5% (49.3,51.7), respectively, for HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, and CMV infections. We found an almost certain lower expected seroprevalence in Metropolitan France than in overseas territories for all viruses but VZV, for which it was almost certainly greater. The expected seroprevalences were likely greater among females for all viruses. LIMITATIONS: Our results relied on the assumption that individuals were sampled at random conditionally to variables used to build the poststratification table. IMPLICATIONS: The analysis highlights spatial and demographic patterns in seroprevalence that should be considered for designing tailored public health policies.

Vaccine value profile for herpes simplex virus.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are chronic, highly prevalent viral infections that cause significant morbidity around the world. HSV-2 is sexually transmitted and is the leading cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD). It also increases the risk of HIV acquisition, fueling the HIV epidemic. HSV-1 is typically acquired in childhood through nonsexual contact and contributes to oral and ocular disease, but it can also be sexually transmitted to cause GUD. Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 cause neonatal herpes and neurologic disease. Given the ubiquitous nature of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections and the limited existing prevention and control measures, vaccination would be the most efficient strategy to reduce the global burden of morbidity related to HSV infection. Vaccine strategies include prophylactic vaccination, which would prevent infection among susceptible persons and would likely be given to adolescents, and therapeutic vaccinations, which would be given to people with symptomatic genital HSV-2 infection. This document discusses the vaccine value profile of both types of vaccines. This 'Vaccine Value Profile' (VVP) for HSV is intended to provide a high-level, holistic assessment of the information and data that are currently available to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of pipeline vaccines and vaccine-like products. This VVP was developed by subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, government agencies and multi-lateral organizations. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the HSV VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps. The VVP was developed using only existing and publicly available information.

Efficacy of adjuvant Photobiomodulation therapy in recurrent herpes labialis, a randomized clinical trial study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis (RHL), one of the most common herpes simplex virus type 1 infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this randomized double blind controlled trial, Twenty-two symptomatic patients with RHL were enrolled. The patients were randomly allocated into one group (5% acyclovir cream with 940±10 nm wavelength and 4 J/cm2 energy density and 100 mW output power) and another group (5% Acyclovir 5 times/5 days and sham laser). Lesion size, and pain intensity were considered as the outcome at baseline, 1st 2nd and 3rd days postoperatively. RESULTS: Pain intensity in PBM + Acyclovir group was significantly lower than Acyclovir without PBM group in both two and three days after intervention (p < 0.001). The lesion size in case group was significantly lower on 7 and 10 days (p <0.05). Patients in the treatment group were significantly more satisfied with their treatment process (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: PBMT can be used as an adjuvant tool to acyclovir cream, due to higher potential in reducing postoperative pain, lesion size and also patients satisfaction.

Insights into adjunctive corticosteroid therapy in fulminant herpes simplex virus encephalitis: case analysis with contrasting outcomes.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis, predominantly caused by HSV-1, presents with significant morbidity and mortality challenges. This research investigates the particular role of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy in fulminant HSV encephalitis through in-depth analyses of two contrasting cases. Corticosteroids show potential benefits to improve an exaggerated immune response and limit viral dissemination within the brain. Daily assessments and frequent neuroimaging, particularly using magnetic resonance imaging, aid in the management of fulminant cases. Although existing evidence relies on limited case series and retrospective comparisons, the results of the present study emphasize the necessity for large-scale controlled trials to establish definitive guidelines. The discretion of the treating neurologist governs the decision to implement corticosteroids, emphasizing the imperative need for continued research and evidence-based strategies for this challenging neurological condition.

A rare case of herpes simplex virus encephalitis from viral reactivation following surgically treated traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Here, we present the occurrence of HSVE in a 36-year-old immunocompetent patient following craniotomy for a traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH). METHODS: Imaging after four days of progressive headache following a fall with head-strike demonstrated a 1 cm thick left holohemispheric ASDH with significant cerebral compression, edema, and 8 mm of left-to-right midline shift, and an emergent craniotomy and ASDH evacuation were performed, with additional treatment needed for reaccumulation. Postoperatively, the patient developed a worsening leukocytosis, became febrile, and was hypotensive requiring vasopressor support. RESULTS: Despite empiric antibiotics, the patient remained persistently febrile with significant leukocytosis. Repeat head CT showed a new left insular hypodensity and a subsequent viral encephalitis panel was positive for HSV-1. The patient was then started on intravenous acyclovir, with progressive neurological exam improvement. Of note, the patient was noted to have a positive serum HSV-1 IgG antibody titer, indicative of prior infection. CONCLUSIONS: Given the known systemic immunosuppression in brain injury and the high prevalence of HSV seropositivity, clinicians should consider the possibility of HSVE from HSV reactivation in TBI patients with persistent fever, leukocytosis, and/or neurological deficits without an obvious etiology.

A Single-Center Case Series of Acute Retinal Necrosis at Teikyo University: Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes.

Aim To evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment course, and prognosis of patients with acute retinal necrosis (ARN), which can rapidly progress and cause severe vision loss. Design Single-center retrospective case series. Subjects and methods Six patients and seven eyes diagnosed with ARN at Teikyo University Hospital were included in this study. The clinical presentation and treatment prognosis were investigated based on data obtained from medical records. Results The mean age of the patients at the initial diagnosis was 63.6 years. Although the mean Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (LogMAR) visual acuity tended to decrease from 0.77 at the first visit to 1.29 at the last visit, the difference was not statistically significant. Intraocular manifestations observed during the study period included ocular hypertension (14.3%), anterior uveitis (100.0%), retinal hemorrhage (71.4%), vitreous opacity (100.0%), retinal exudative vasculitis (85.7%), optic nerve atrophy (85.7%), retinal vascular occlusion (85.7%), choroidal atrophy (85.7%), macular edema (100.0%), subretinal fluid in the macula (71.4%), and retinal detachment (85.7%). Treatment modalities included oral and intravitreal antivirals (85.7%), antiplatelet medications (85.7%), steroid eye drops (85.7%), subcapsular (57.1%) and vitreous (42.9%) steroid injections, oral steroids (71.4%), and surgical intervention (85.7%). Vitrectomy led to retinal recovery in all five eyes that underwent the procedure. Conclusions The visual prognosis of patients with ARN is poor, particularly in those with preexisting visual impairment. Early detection coupled with antiviral therapy and prompt surgical intervention have been identified as potential factors that influence visual outcomes. Given the severity of ARN, collecting data from multiple centers could aid in devising future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Herpes Simplex Virus Necrotic Lymphadenitis Masquerading as Lymphoma.

In immunocompromised patients, the rapid development of lymphadenopathy could pose a few diagnostic challenges. This is important, especially with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) which can manifest with the development of infections or may even progress with transformation into a more aggressive form of the disease. We report a case of a patient with CLL/SLL who presented with fever and worsening dyspnea as well as inguinal lymphadenopathy upon evaluation. The excisional biopsy of affected lymph nodes revealed herpes simplex virus lymphadenitis confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Flow cytometry showed no progression to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. This case highlights the importance of considering a broad spectrum of differential diagnoses when assessing lymphadenopathy in immunocompromised patients receiving active immunosuppressive therapy.

Pulmonary herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome related to COVID-19.

PURPOSE: Human herpesviruses, particularly cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV), frequently reactivate in critically ill patients, including those with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The clinical interpretation of pulmonary herpesvirus reactivation is challenging and there is ongoing debate about its association with mortality and benefit of antiviral medication. We aimed to quantify the incidence and pathogenicity of pulmonary CMV and HSV reactivations in critically ill COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients seropositive for CMV or HSV were included in this observational cohort study. Diagnostic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage was performed routinely and analyzed for alveolar viral loads and inflammatory biomarkers. Utilizing joint modeling, we explored the dynamic association between viral load trajectories over time and mortality. We explored alveolar inflammatory biomarker dynamics between reactivated and non-reactivated patients. RESULTS: Pulmonary reactivation (> 104 copies/ml) of CMV occurred in 6% of CMV-seropositive patients (9/156), and pulmonary reactivation of HSV in 37% of HSV-seropositive patients (63/172). HSV viral load dynamics prior to or without antiviral treatment were associated with increased 90-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.47). The alveolar concentration of several inflammatory biomarkers increased with HSV reactivation, including interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). CONCLUSION: In mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, HSV reactivations are common, while CMV reactivations were rare. HSV viral load dynamics prior to or without antiviral treatment are associated with mortality. Alveolar inflammation is elevated after HSV reactivation.

In vitro anti-HSV1 activity of aqueous extract of Areca catechu L.

Background and Objectives: HSV-1 is known as a very contagious virus and the main cause of cold sores or fever blisters. Herein, the aqueous extract of Areca catechu L. was evaluated for its anti-HSV-1 activity, compared to the standard control (acyclovir). Also, the effect of extract on the expression of UL46 and US6 genes that accumulate late in viral infection, was studied. Materials and Methods: The aqueous extract was obtained by the maceration of powdered plant in boiling water. Its antiviral activity was evaluated on Vero cells infected with HSV-1 at different times: 2 h pre-infection, simultaneous infection, and 4 h post-infection, using MTT assay. The effect of extract on the expression of genes was investigated with quantitative real-time PCR. Results: The aqueous extract of A. catechu induced the inhibition of infection with the IC50 value of 110.52 ± 1.36 µg/ml. Also, it reduced the expression of UL46 when it was added 2 h pre-infection at 100 µg/ml. Moreover, reduction of expression of US6 was observed at the same concentration when the extract was used simultaneously with the occurrence of infection and 4 h post-infection. Conclusion: A. catechu can be considered an essential element of natural-based anti-HSV-1 agents.

Integrating pan-genome and reverse vaccinology to design multi-epitope vaccine against Herpes simplex virus type-1.

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), the etiological agent of sporadic encephalitis and recurring oral (sometimes genital) infections in humans, affects millions each year. The evolving viral genome reduces susceptibility to existing antivirals and, thus, necessitates new therapeutic strategies. Immunoinformatics strategies have shown promise in designing novel vaccine candidates in the absence of a clinically licensed vaccine to prevent HSV-1. However, to encourage clinical translation, the HSV-1 pan-genome was integrated with the reverse-vaccinology pipeline for rigorous screening of universal vaccine candidates. Viral targets were screened from 104 available complete genomes. Among 364 proteins, envelope glycoprotein D being an outer membrane protein with a high antigenicity score (> 0.4) and solubility (> 0.6) was selected for epitope screening. A total of 17 T-cell and 4 B-cell epitopes with highly antigenic, immunogenic, non-toxic properties and high global population coverage were identified. Furthermore, 8 vaccine constructs were designed using different combinations of epitopes and suitable linkers. VC-8 was identified as the most potential vaccine candidate regarding chemical and structural stability. Molecular docking revealed high interactive affinity (low binding energy: - 56.25 kcal/mol) of VC-8 with the target elicited by firm intermolecular H-bonds, salt-bridges, and hydrophobic interactions, which was validated with simulations. Compatibility of the vaccine candidate to be expressed in pET-29(a) + plasmid was established by in silico cloning studies. Immune simulations confirmed the potential of VC-8 to trigger robust B-cell, T-cell, cytokine, and antibody-mediated responses, thereby suggesting a promising candidate for the future of HSV-1 prevention. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-04022-6.