Articles tagged with Herpes Simplex
A recent study found that severe COVID-19 reactivates certain dormant viruses in hospitalized patients, which may contribute to autoimmune disease and chronic conditions. Notably, reactivation of Anelloviridae viruses was associated with long-term physical disability and long COVID.
Genital herpes is a viral infection that establishes a lifelong infection by entering nerve cells and can be relieved with medication. Researchers have identified glycoprotein G as a promising target for a future vaccine, which could provide protection against HSV-2 spread to the nervous system.
Researchers developed a two-part vaccination method that prevented genital herpes infection in mice, with 80% of treated mice showing no signs of disease. The 'prime and pull' approach uses nanoparticles to stimulate local immunity, establishing strong immune cell and antibody responses against the virus.
A nationally representative survey of empaneled adults found that most Americans understand how STIs spread, but there are significant gaps in public knowledge about which infections can be prevented through vaccination. The survey also revealed strong awareness of common transmission pathways and some basic facts about STIs.
Researchers successfully treated drug-resistant strains of herpes using doxorubicin, a known anticancer drug. The treatment works by targeting a pathway used by the virus, preventing infection and potentially saving lives for vulnerable patients.
Public Health Alerts provide concise, data-driven information on disease outbreaks and urgent health events. The new series, launched by NEJM Evidence and CIDRAP, offers expert-reviewed reports to support public health evidence-based care.
Researchers found that valacyclovir, an antiviral medication, was ineffective in treating early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and may even worsen cognitive function. The study suggests that individuals with early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus seropositivity should not be treated with valacyclovir.
A new class of antivirals called Pin1 inhibitors has shown promise in reducing or stopping outbreaks of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the common infection behind oral herpes. By stabilizing nuclear membrane structure, Pin1 inhibitors physically trap the virus in the cell nucleus, preventing it from escaping.
Researchers studied the impact of different producer cells on herpes virus replication and infectious capacity. They found that slight differences in protein composition can have downstream effects on virus establishment and treatment options.
A genetically engineered herpes simplex virus, RP1, shows promise in treating advanced melanoma when combined with immunotherapy. In a phase 1-2 clinical trial, one-third of patients experienced significant tumor shrinkage or disappearance, offering hope to those with untreatable cancer.
Researchers found that HSV-1 deliberately reshapes the human genome within hours of infection, rearranging host genes to facilitate replication. Blocking a single host enzyme, topoisomerase I, completely halted the virus's ability to hijack the genome.
A large US study found that symptomatic herpes simplex 1 infection may contribute to Alzheimer's disease development. People treated with antiviral therapy were less likely to develop the condition, suggesting a potential protective effect.
Researchers investigated the potential link between herpes zoster vaccination and dementia. They found that vaccination may be associated with a lower risk of developing dementia in older adults. The study's findings suggest a possible causal relationship between vaccination and reduced dementia occurrence.
Researchers developed an antiviral chewing gum containing a natural protein that neutralizes viral loads of influenza A strains and two herpes simplex viruses. The gum, made from lablab beans, was found to be safe and effective in reducing viral loads by over 95%.
Researchers are conducting a first-in-human clinical trial to test a modified herpes virus that targets spinal cord nerve cells to treat neurogenic bladder. The therapy, EG110A, aims to block sensory nerve signals causing involuntary bladder contractions and incontinence.
A University of Illinois Chicago study reveals that intranasal herpes infection can cause severe neurobehavioral symptoms, including anxiety and cognitive issues. The research suggests that the virus exploits a cellular enzyme to produce behavioral symptoms, emphasizing the need for prevention and treatment.
Scientists have identified a new target to prevent cold sores by understanding how the herpes virus triggers its own immune response. The discovery has important implications for genital herpes caused by the same virus, with potential treatments in development.
Researchers report an increase in adult VZV-related CNS infections, particularly since 2019, with a notable rise in aseptic meningitis cases. The study suggests that universal varicella vaccination may be contributing to the decline in natural immunity, leading to reactivation and CNS complications.
A new integrated 3D imaging approach has revealed exquisite detail of the virus assembly process used by herpes simplex virus during replication. The research identified previously unknown functions of HSV-1 structural proteins and provided insights into the unmutated gene's usual role in viral assembly.
Researchers from Cleveland Clinic’s Genome Center linked human herpesviruses to Alzheimer's disease via transposable elements. They identified TEs activated in HSV-1 infected brains and found that commercially available drugs can reverse this pathway.
A new study reveals that asymptomatic neonatal HSV infections in mice can lead to persistent CNS infection and long-term cognitive decline. Maternal vaccination may prevent this cognitive impairment, suggesting a potential strategy for reducing neurological damage in infected offspring.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that head trauma can activate dormant viruses in the brain, triggering neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The discovery suggests antiviral drugs could be used as early preventive treatments after head injuries.
Researchers discovered a link between HSV-1 and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that viral infections play a role in the disease. The study also found that tau protein initially protects the brain from the virus but contributes to brain damage later.
Around 846 million people under 50 are living with genital herpes, and over 200 million experienced symptomatic outbreaks in 2020. Researchers call for new treatments and vaccines to curb the spread of the infection and its health and financial toll.
Researchers mapped how HSV-1 enters the brain, infects critical regions, and triggers neurological diseases. The virus was found in areas controlling vital functions, such as sleep and movement, and interacted with immune cells that led to chronic inflammation.
Genital herpes infections have a significant global impact, with estimated health care expenditures and productivity losses totaling $13 billion annually. The study highlights the need for increased investment in preventing herpes transmission, including the development of effective vaccines.
A case report describes the successful use of thoracic paravertebral blocking to manage severe chronic pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia. The procedure, involving repeated injections of levobupivacaine and dexamethasone, resulted in significant pain subsidence and reduced medication needs.
Researchers at Fred Hutch Cancer Center have made progress in laboratory studies using gene editing to eliminate herpes virus infections. The experimental therapy eliminated 90% of HSV-1 after facial infection and 97% after genital infection, reducing viral shedding.
A new study from Uppsala University found that people who have had herpes virus are twice as likely to develop dementia as those who have never been infected. The researchers studied 1,000 70-year-olds over 15 years and confirmed previous research on the potential link between herpes and dementia.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine and Thayer School of Engineering have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how antibodies combat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. The study reveals that antibody effector functions play a critical role in protecting against HSV, which may lead to new treatments for n...
The Organoid group at the Hubrecht Institute produced the first organoid model of the human conjunctiva, which functions like real human conjunctiva. The researchers discovered a new cell type called tuft cells that become more abundant under allergy-like conditions and play a role in eye's reaction to allergies.
The NIH has released a strategic plan for research on herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, outlining four priorities: improving fundamental knowledge, accelerating diagnosis, treating HSV while seeking a curative therapeutic, and preventing infection. The plan aims to reduce the burden of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in the US.
Scientists have identified a molecule that effectively inhibits heparanase activity related to the herpes simplex virus, reducing its spread on human cells. The discovery is an important step towards developing a non-toxic heparanase inhibitor for clinical use.
Researchers have developed a new approach to treating herpes by inhibiting an enzyme that releases newly formed virus particles from infected cells. The inhibitors, made of oligosaccharides, significantly reduce the spread of the virus and may also impede cancer metastasis.
Rapid Reviews Infectious Diseases will extend the successful preprint review model of Rapid Reviews COVID-19 to new research on infectious diseases like monkeypox, dengue fever, or herpes. The journal aims to accelerate the validation and diffusion of robust scientific findings through rapid peer review.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center developed a new model of the brain using human stem cells, which showed promise in treating HSV-1 induced encephalitis. By combining an anti-viral with an anti-inflammatory drug, they were able to prevent tissue damage and promote recovery.
A new study by UCL researchers hints at the possibility of detecting conditions such as coeliac disease and Parkinson's disease in principle up to 10 years before diagnosis. The review of existing evidence indicates a 'diagnostic window' – the point at which diagnosis may be possible for some patients.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a key protein involved in viral reinfections that could be targeted by antiviral drugs. Inhibiting heparanase activity can protect against herpes simplex virus type 1 reinfection, potentially leading to breakthroughs in preventing recurrent infections.
Researchers found that severe herpesvirus infections can strongly activate host cellular immunity, leading to a therapeutic effect on refractory adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. This activation may play an important role in the survival of patients with this intractable disease.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine serologic screening for genital herpes simplex virus infection, even in symptomatic individuals. The lifelong nature of HSV infection means there is no cure, but antiviral medications can provide clinical benefits to those experiencing symptoms.
Researchers developed a translational step forward in treating brain tumors using intraventricular immunovirotherapy, which has shown safety and efficacy in recent clinical trials. This approach uses oncolytic herpes simplex virus type-1 to target high-grade glioma with promising results.
Researchers found women's immune responses to herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccine are stronger, while those with prior exposure have different type I IFN signatures. This interaction may affect vaccine effectiveness.
A modelling study in 90 low- and middle-income countries estimates that herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections drive significant healthcare cost savings and improved quality of life. The study suggests that widespread HSV-2 vaccination could prevent millions of quality of life years lost due to HSV-2 and HIV co-infections.
Researchers analyzed a child's genetic data to identify novel mutations in the GTF3A gene, which impair the innate immune response. The study found that these mutations make cells more susceptible to HSV-1 infection and loss of antiviral immune response.
Researchers found that shingles increases the long-term risk of stroke and heart attacks by up to 30% in individuals aged 50 and older. The study followed over 200,000 participants for up to 16 years and suggests that vaccination may help reduce this risk.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that specific immune system biomarkers are linked to the acquisition of both HIV and genital herpes. The researchers identified unique predictors for each disease, providing new targets for preventive treatments.
Researchers identified specific monkeypox mutations that contribute to its continued infectiousness. The virus is accumulating mutations where drugs and antibodies from vaccines are supposed to bind, making it smarter and more infectious.
A synthetic prophylactic gel developed at KTH Royal Institute of Technology has shown promising results in lab tests, with a 70% effectiveness rate against HIV and an 80% effectiveness rate against herpes.
Scientists at Tufts University found that varicella zoster virus (VZV) may activate herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), leading to inflammation and accumulation of Alzheimer's associated proteins in the brain. This suggests a new pathway to Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists uncover ancient herpes DNA, revealing the virus's prehistoric origins around 5,000 years ago. The discovery suggests a link between the emergence of facial herpes and cultural practices like romantic and sexual kissing in Europe during the Bronze Age.
Researchers found that mothers who didn't transmit HCMV to their infants had higher levels of antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis, suggesting a non-neutralizing immunity mechanism. This finding has implications for the development of effective HCMV vaccines.
A groundbreaking study has discovered that the cornea produces a delicate immune response to fight viral infections without damaging vision. Long-living memory T cells have been found patrolling and fighting viral infections in the cornea, upending previous thought on T cell presence in healthy corneas.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have developed a novel class of therapeutics called feedback disruptors that target viral proteins' negative feedback loops. These drugs break the genetic feedback circuits, causing infected cells to self-destruct and stopping infection in its tracks.
A UC Davis study found a critical agent keeping KSHV dormant and undetected by the immune system. The virus is linked to various cancers and AIDS-related diseases. The researchers identified CHD4 as a key regulator of the latency-lytic switch, allowing the virus to stay silent.
A new study found that herpesvirus infection may contribute to impaired glucose metabolism and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were associated with an increased incidence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, independent of other risk factors.
The NIH has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate an investigational preventative vaccine for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The study aims to assess the safety and immune response of the EBV gp350-Ferritin nanoparticle vaccine with a saponin-based Matrix-M adjuvant.
AAVMC awards Dr. Barry T. Rouse with the Excellence in Research Award for his outstanding contributions to viral immunology and immunopathology research. With over $20 million in NIH funding, he has published more than 425 papers and mentored almost 80 post-doctoral fellows.
A new poll shows that most teens and young adults know it's possible to catch or spread a sexually transmitted infection by having unprotected oral sex, but over half underestimate the level of that risk. Young people also call for more education about the risks of oral sex and normalization of protection through popular culture.
A new Northwestern University study has uncovered how herpes virus hijacks a protein to travel into the peripheral nervous system, potentially leading to long-needed vaccine development. The discovery may have implications for other viruses like HIV and SARS-CoV-2.
University of Illinois Chicago researchers discovered a function of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in an antiviral defense mechanism, limiting HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity. The protein complex protects the host by preventing encephalitis and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.