CD4 and disease arising from reactivation of latent virus: The normal population of resident cDCs was suggested as required to preserve corneal nerves during the acute phase of HSV-1 infection.19 In addition, CD4+T cells were shown to influence the long-term persistence of nerve defects at time points consistent with viral clearance and establishment of latent infection.22 The present study adds novel insights into the mechanism of corneal nerve regression following HSV-1 infection.