A groundbreaking study by researchers at the University of Colorado and the University of Bourgogne in France has revealed new insights into how herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) the virus behind common cold sores can spread and persist within the brain. The study focused on understanding the pathways HSV-1 uses to invade the central nervous system, suggesting that the virus might contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Using mouse models, researchers mapped the virus’s progression within the brain, finding that HSV-1 enters primarily through the trigeminal and olfactory nerves. Once inside, the virus affects critical brain regions, including those controlling movement, sleep, appetite, and mood. Notably, it also targets areas associated with serotonin and norepinephrine production, which play a role in mental health and emotional regulation.
“Identifying how HSV-1 can access the brain and which regions are most vulnerable is crucial for understanding how this virus might initiate neurological diseases,” explained Dr. Christy Niemeyer, assistant professor of neurology and co-author of the study.
The researchers discovered that HSV-1’s interaction with microglia key immune cells in the brain causes inflammation. In some cases, inflamed microglia persisted even after the virus was no longer present, suggesting that HSV-1 might trigger chronic brain inflammation, a factor associated with neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
These findings point to HSV-1’s potentially underestimated role in brain health and disease development, emphasizing the need for further research into antiviral treatments that could help mitigate its long-term effects on the nervous system.
Read Now:Meta AI Joins US Military Arsenal: Zuckerberg Greenlights Llama Model for National Security
