The case that HHV-6, HHV-7, and HH8 should not be called herpes viruses and should be in a category all by themselves.
From Perplexity A.I. Make the case that HHV-6, HHV-7, and HH8 should not be called herpes viruses and should be in a category all by themselves. There is a compelling case for classifying HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8 in a distinct category separate from traditional herpesviruses, based on several unique biological, genomic, and functional properties that set them apart from the rest of the Herpesviridae family. Major Differences from Classic Herpesviruses Cell Entry and Receptors: HHV-6A, HHV-6B, and HHV-7 use different cellular receptors than classic alpha herpesviruses (HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV). For example, HHV-6A targets CD46 (on all nucleated cells), HHV-6B uses CD134, and HHV-7 uses CD4. This is unlike HSVs, which have a more limited tropism, and contributes to broad tissue targeting by HHV-6/7. Unique Integration and Latency: Unlike other human herpesviruses, HHV-6A and HHV-6B can integrate into human chromosomal telomeres, allowing for both vertical (transgenerational) transmission a...