While unlikely to trigger the cytokine storm, HHV-6 infection may perpetuate it, and contribute directly to cytopenias and pneumonia.
Early HHV-6 specific T-cell responses by ELISpot were remarkably higher in alloHSCT patients who went on to develop clinically relevant infections
T-cell responses correlate directly with clinical symptoms, and were better predictors of HHV-6 disease than viral load or total CD3+ counts.
Increased expression of HHV-6B receptor CD134/OX40 found in DIHS/DRESS skin lesions
The severity of DIHS/DRESS cases was significantly correlated with the frequency of CD134+ cells.
Thorough review of the role of HHV-6 in DIHS/DRESS
HHV-6 reactivation much more frequent than reactivation of other herpesviruses.
Review: HHV-6 is an important cause of persistent viral myocarditis, along with Parvovirus B-19 and adenovirus
SARS CoV-2 may lead to the activation of persistent herpesviruses in heart tissue.
Investigators find HHV-6 in the skin of DRESS patients two weeks before it is found in the blood in a large, multi-center case series
HHV-6 reactivation in both skin and blood was found frequently in severe cases.
Translation of HHV-6B U20 gene product characterized
Findings suggest role in evading host immune defenses.
EBV DNA found in 42% of lupus patients compared to 3% of controls; 25% had EBV IgM antibodies compared to <1% of controls
HHV-6 DNA is not elevated in lupus patients but may have a role in reactivating EBV.
Review of the theory that chronic viral infection of the brain can lead to depression
Role of several viruses, including HHV-6A/B, in stimulating low-grade neuroinflammation.
Short-course foscarnet at an early stage may suppress HHV-6 reactivation following allogenic HCT
Observational study suggests that an early one-week treatment at the first sign of viral reactivation may achieve clinical benefits and avoid antiviral toxicity.
COVID-19 patients with HHV-6 DNA and CNS symptoms showed increased expression of miR-155
Both HHV-6 and specific microRNAs may correlate with neurological symptoms in COVID-19.
Accurate Multiplex Assay for Viral Causes of Vesicular Diseases
Assay for monkeypox virus, HSV1-2, HHV-6, VZV and enteroviruses.
Herpesvirus Reactivation Common in Severe COVID-19
HHV-6 was the most common herpesvirus found when tested in nasal swabs, but EBV was the most common in plasma.
Systematic review of pityriasis rosea following COVID-19 and/or vaccination
Pityriasis rosea was reported more frequently after vaccination than during or after acute infection.
HHV-6 DNA load in whole blood and elevated EBNA antibodies predict progression in first clinical episodes of demyelination in multiple sclerosis
Patients with viral loads suggestive of iciHHV-6 had the greatest risk of developing demyelinating disease.