By UNIVERSITY OF WÜRZBURG Eight different herpes viruses are known to date in humans. They all settle down permanently in the body after acute infection. Under certain circumstances, they wake up from this dormant phase, multiply and attack other cells. This reactivation is often associated with symptoms, such as itchy cold sores or shingles. In the course of evolution, most herpesviruses have learned to use small RNA molecules, … Continue reading How herpes viruses trigger their own awakening.