We demonstrate that CNS complications caused by VZV virus are associated with highly elevated CSF levels of the chemokines CCL19, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, and the matrix metalloproteinase MMP-2 in patients with different CNS manifestations such as encephalitis, meningitis, and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Here, MMP2 is linked to encephalitis.