Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), which causes cold sores, may cause lasting cognitive and motor impairments as well as anxiety-related behaviors when it enters the brain through the nose. A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago found that HSV-1 can trigger long-term neurological damage by exploiting a cellular enzyme.
The researchers focused on intranasal infection, a less-explored pathway that provides direct access to the nervous system. When HSV-1 was introduced through the nasal cavity in animal models, it rapidly spread to the brain, causing inflammation and neuronal damage within days.
The effects of the virus persisted for several months, leading to reduced motor coordination, impaired memory, and increased anxiety-like behaviors compared to uninfected controls. A key enzyme in viral damage called heparanase was identified as a crucial player in HSV-1’s ability to cause neurobehavioral deficits.
Animals with deactivated heparanase gene did not show the same neurological impairments after HSV-1 infection, suggesting that heparanase contributes to viral spread and inflammation in the brain. The study highlights the potential consequences of viral infections beyond their immediate symptoms and opens the door for potential therapeutic approaches to mitigate the effects of neuroinflammation.
Given that HSV-1 is one of the most common viral infections worldwide, this research underscores the importance of understanding potential long-term neurological risks, particularly for individuals with frequent viral reactivation.
Source: https://www.technologynetworks.com/immunology/news/hsv-1-can-cause-long-term-brain-damage-397026