Molecular grappling: the complex interplay involving human herpesviruses, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO), and the host immune system.

SUMOylation regulates critical cellular processes, including DNA repair, transcription, and immune responses. Human herpesviruses (HHVs) have evolved mechanisms to hijack the SUMO pathway, promoting viral replication, immune evasion, and establishment of latency. This review explores how HHVs manipulate the host SUMOylation machinery, detailing key viral proteins and their effects, as well as antiviral defense mechanisms.