None of the differentially regulated genes were linked to antiviral immunity associated with herpesvirus infections (for example, MX2, IFI16, CGAS, IFITs and OASs32,82–84), indicating that the anti-VZV function of NPHP4 is probably independent of the innate immune defence. This evidence concerns the gene NPHP4 and Herpesviridae infectious disease.