New study shows how the herpes virus kidnaps the immune system for survival

Herpesinfection

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 60 percent of people under the age of 50 have the herpes virus. As soon as the virus gets into the body, it stays in the nerve cells for life. Many people may never have symptoms because the immune system rests the virus. However, certain triggers such as stress, sunburn, infections or a weakened immune system can cause it to flare up, which leads to painful outbreaks.

Common symptoms of herpes

While some people with herpes may not show any symptoms, others can occur:

New research illuminates the reactivation

Dr. Anna Cliffe from the UVA department for microbiology, immunology and cancer biology explains how the virus reactivates. She said: “Our results identify the first viral protein that is required for the herpes simplex virus to wake up from the break, and surprisingly, this protein does this by triggering answers that should work against the virus. This is important because we may have new opportunities to prevent the virus from waking up and activity in the nervous system that could have negative consequences in the long term. “

How the virus kidnaps the immune system

The study focused on a viral protein called Ul12.5. The researchers found that this protein acts as a “double agent”. Instead of simply hiding from the immune system like most viruses, the herpes virus actually activates the body's antiviral alarm. Then manipulates this alarm to reactivate yourself in the body.

Traditionally, it is known that viruses withdraw or suppress immune responses to survive. However, this study suggests that HSV-1 uses something different Tut-Sie to recognize stress in the body. If it captures cellular damage, infections or other threats, it takes a keyword to reactivate new hosts and spread to new hosts.

The researcher Patryk Krakowiak said to Student finds: “We were surprised to provide HSV-1 not only passively waiting for the right conditions, but also actively and take control of the process. Our results suggest that the virus can be used in order to use cellular stress – be it from neuron damage, infections or other threats – as a hint to escape its host and find a new one. “

While scientists continue to examine the herpes virus, this discovery could pave the way for better treatments and possibly a vaccine in the future.