We already know a virus is behind it cold soreHerpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can also infect the brain and central nervous system, and new research sheds more light on how the virus’ attacks spread.
The study, led by researchers from the University of Colorado and the University of Bourgogne in France, took a closer look at the effects of the HSV-1 virus on the brains of mice, mapping the different areas affected and determining what the results might be. We evaluated whether it would be possible. .
HSV-1 is introduced into the central nervous system through two routes. trigeminal nerve or olfactory nerve – However, it remains unclear how the infection then spreads within the brain.
“Recently, this common virus has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, but a clear route of entry into the central nervous system has not been established.” say says Kristi Niemeyer, a neurologist at the University of Colorado.
“Identifying how HSV-1 enters the brain and which brain regions are vulnerable is key to understanding how HSV-1 causes disease.”
The research team found that HSV-1 colonized some of the most important regions of the brain. brainstem (Responsible for regulating heart rate and breathing rate, along with sleep and exercise) hypothalamus (It manages everything from sleep and mood to appetite and hormone levels).
However, other areas of the brain remained unaffected by HSV-1 antigen. Hippocampus (A region that controls memory and special navigation, often associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease) cortex (links to memory and attention).
The researchers also microglia When it interacted with HSV-1 (internal immune cells in the central nervous system) in the brains of mice, it caused inflammation. In certain regions, these immune cells remain active even after the virus has disappeared, suggesting ongoing inflammation.
In its most severe cases, HSV-1 can cause symptoms such as: encephalitisa life-threatening condition in which inflammation affects the entire brain. Although this didn’t happen here, research shows damage could still be done.
“Although the presence of HSV-1 does not cause full-blown encephalitis in the brain, it can still affect the function of these areas.” say Niemeyer.
All this additional knowledge will give scientists a better idea of how HSV-1 infection is related to neurodegenerative diseases. some recent studies. This new study is a useful step for further future research.
Inflammation associated with HSV-1 and microglia may be part of the reason Alzheimer’s disease takes hold in some brains, or may have some influence on the rate at which Alzheimer’s disease progresses. is suggested. With that in mind, it would be interesting to see where there is overlap in the brain regions affected by both HSV-1 and Alzheimer’s disease.
“Persistently inflamed cells can lead to chronic inflammation, which is known to be a trigger for many neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.” say Niemeyer.
“This study provides important insights into a deeper understanding of how viruses interact with overall brain health and the development of widespread neurological diseases.”
This study Virology Journal.
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