Human Skin Explants Recapitulate Key Features of HSV-1 Infections.

The development of novel antiviral compounds is hindered by the lack of model systems that recapitulate the pathophysiology of human infections. Tajpara et al. developed an ex vivo human abdominal skin model of HSV-1 infection to examine host-pathogen interactions and test the efficacy of antiviral compounds. This approach provides a platform for future development and testing of antiviral drugs.