In vitro antiviral activity of dehydroepiandrosterone, 17 synthetic analogs and ERK modulators against herpes simplex virus type 1

► DHEA, EA, three synthetic EA analogs and two synthetic DHEA analogs rendered antiherpetic activity. ► Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway modulators can inhibit or enhance viral multiplication. ► DHEA and the synthetic analog E2 may block HSV-1 particle formation and release. ► DHEA's antiherpetic activity is not due to its Raf/MEK/ERK pathway modulator activity.