Scientists may have identified a gene that could explain why the brain is shielded from the herpes virus, a breakthrough that might lead to new treatments for the condition.
An international team led by Cai Yujia from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Soren Paludan from Aarhus University in Denmark discovered that disrupting a specific gene in human stem cell-derived neurons significantly boosts HSV-1 replication, according to the South China Morning Post.
This discovery was corroborated by experiments on mice, where the viral load in the neurons of the animals’ brains increased markedly when the gene was knocked out.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 67% of the global population is infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1. While the virus primarily targets nerve tissue, it can, though rarely, affect the central nervous system and be fatal.
Most HSV infections are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, but the virus remains a significant global public health concern. Although current medications can alleviate symptoms, they do not cure the infection.
The study, which utilized the CRISPR gene-editing tool, identified a gene named “TMEFF1” as a crucial factor. While most HSV infections are unnoticed, the virus still poses risks, including the potentially severe “herpes simplex encephalitis,” which has a mortality rate of up to 70%.
The researchers believe their discovery could pave the way for new treatments. They have developed peptides, smaller versions of the TMEFF1 protein, which show promise in preventing HSV infection.
“This study reveals for the first time an antiviral factor specific to neurons, offering a novel perspective on the brain’s antiviral immune response,” stated Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
The research was published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature on July 24.
