The Regulatory Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Immune Cells in Herpes Zoster
Herpes Zoster (HZ), caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), is a common infection characterized by localized pain and blistering, with higher incidence in females. HZ affects patients' physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. The immune system is critical in HZ pathogenesis. Studies show acupuncture relieves pain, modulates immunity, and may lower postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) risk. However, evidence is limited on whether electroacupuncture (EA) alleviates HZ by modulating immune cells. Using mass cytometry (CyTOF), this study will analyze peripheral immune cell changes pre- and post-EA to explore its regulatory effects on HZ immunity. This study will recruit HZ patients and healthy controls (HC), dividing patients into medication-only and medication+EA groups to assess EA's potential immunomodulatory effects in HZ treatment.
• Meets HZ diagnostic criteria;
• Female, aged between 50 and 70 years;
• Disease duration ≤7 days, with no prior antiviral, analgesic, or other treatments;
• Herpetic lesions limited to the trunk, within 1 to 3 dermatomes;
• Willing to participate in the trial and has signed the informed consent form.
• No history of HZ or major cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, hematologic, endocrine, or neurological diseases;
• Age-matched female HC volunteers for the HZ group;
• Clear consciousness and ability to communicate normally;
• Fully understands the study protocol, demonstrates good compliance, and is willing to cooperate with the study;
• Has signed a written informed consent form.