Subtly Impaired Humoral Immunity Predisposes to Frequently Recurring Genital Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection and Herpetic Neuralgia

Abstract

Low levels of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity-mediating IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies, partly dependent of allotype, may predispose to recurrent genital herpes. Antibodies produced by T helper type 1 responses, potentially against an unknown epitope, appear to be relevant in recurrences. In patients, C4* deficiencies are associated with protection from herpetic neuralgias, possibly through reduced inflammation.