Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation by Dipyridamole

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation from latency was investigated. Reactivation of thymidine kinase-negative HSV, which is defective for reactivation, was greatly enhanced by thymidine (TdR). The reactivation-enhancing effect of TdR was blocked by dipyridamole (DPM), a known nucleoside transport inhibitor. DPM also inhibited wild-type HSV reactivation, suggesting potential antiviral use.