Herpes Simplex Virus

3D Model

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 mainly causes cold sores, and HSV-2 mainly causes genital herpes. They are extremely common. They create short-lived and treatable infections (sores) in mucous membranes, but also cause lifelong infections of nerve cells, where they enter a dormant state called latency, occasionally producing new viruses that lead to recurrences of the sores.

This model of a herpes simplex virus particle was made by Rachael Suétt, working with researchers at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research and The Glasgow School of Art.

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