RIPK3 acts as a molecular switch between neuroprotection and neuropathology during herpes simplex encephalitis

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the leading cause of sporadic viral encephalitis, where uncontrolled viral replication and neuroinflammation drive fatal brain injury. Inherited RIPK3 deficiency predisposes humans to severe disease, but the protective mechanism remains unclear. Using single-cell transcriptomics, genetic knockout models, and analysis of viral replication, interferon production, and cell death across neurons, astrocytes, microglia, and myeloid cells, we show that RIPK3 acts as a cell-type-specific molecular switch. RIPK3 scaffolding promotes interferon response and viral control in multiple central nervous system cell types, while RIPK3-dependent apoptosis limits myeloid accumulation. In contrast, RIPK3 kinase activity in astrocytes triggers necroptosis, leading to neuronal loss and lethal neuroinflammation. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of RIPK3 kinase suppresses astrocyte necroptosis, enhances IFN responses, preserves brain integrity, and improves survival. These findings suggest that selective modulation of RIPK3 signaling may balance antiviral defense with limitation of neuropathology in HSV-1 encephalitis. HSV-1 encephalitis causes severe brain injury, but the mechanism of immune pathology remains to be explored. The authors here show that RIPK3 drives astrocyte death though benefits viral control in other cell types, further RIPK3 inhibition promotes survival.