A groundbreaking study has discovered a surprising connection between Alzheimer’s disease and the Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1). Researchers found 19 HSV-1-related proteins in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s at various stages of the disease. The team identified that HSV-1 proteins interact with tau protein, a key player in Alzheimer’s progression.
The study revealed that one specific herpesvirus protein called ICP27 became more prominent as Alzheimer’s progressed. Interestingly, ICP27 occupied the same regions of the brain as tau, but was not associated with amyloid plaques. These findings suggest that HSV-1 directly interacts with tau, potentially driving the changes linked to Alzheimer’s.
The research team also used human brain organoids derived from stem cells and found that HSV-1 infection can increase tau modifications at specific sites linked to Alzheimer’s disease. These modifications initially help protect brain cells by reducing virus and preventing cell death but may contribute to brain damage as the disease advances.
Dr. Or Shemesh explained that their research shows how HSV-1 interacts with the brain and influences Alzheimer’s pathologies. The study suggests targeting viral activity or modifying the immune system’s response could offer new treatment possibilities for slowing or stopping Alzheimer’s progression.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/from-cold-sores-to-memory-loss-the-herpes-alzheimers-connection-unveiled