Drugs block viral recurrences by targeting gene.

The herpes simplex type 1 virus, which can reside in the body for decades, is responsible for more than 500,000 cases of ocular herpes each year. Ocular herpes is a common cause of corneal blindness. Research has shown that the virus can be reactivated by prostaglandins, which are produced by COX-1 and COX-2 genes. Researchers have found that NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors can prevent the reactivation of the virus by targeting and inhibiting the COX-1 and COX-2 genes.