The herpes simplex virus (HSV) belongs to the Herpesviridae family, mainly comprising two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. It is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus with a structure consisting of a lipid envelope, capsid, and core DNA. Inside host cells, HSV primarily replicates within the nucleus, utilizing host cell machinery for the replication and assembly of viral DNA. Viral infection can activate multiple signaling pathways in the host, including those that promote inflammation and inhibit apoptosis to sustain the viral replication environment. Specific proteins expressed by HSV participate in regulating the host cell cycle and immune evasion. Gene mutations primarily occur in the viral surface glycoproteins, affecting the virus's pathogenicity, drug resistance, and vaccine design.