Recent research from Tufts University and the University of Oxford suggests that concussions may trigger the activation of dormant viruses in the brain, potentially leading to long-term neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. A study published in Science Signaling found that early preventive treatments using antiviral drugs could help mitigate these risks.
Researchers developed a unique brain tissue model to investigate how concussions might affect latent viruses. The model consisted of a 6mm wide, donut-shaped sponge made of silk protein and collagen, infused with neural stem cells. After simulating a concussion, the team observed that in models containing dormant herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), the virus reactivated.
The reactivation led to the formation of key markers of Alzheimer’s disease, including amyloid plaques, tau protein tangles, inflammation, neuronal death, and a surge in glial cells. Repeated shocks intensified these effects. In contrast, tissue models without HSV-1 showed only minor gliosis and no other Alzheimer’s indicators.
The results strongly suggest that concussions may awaken dormant viruses in the brain, potentially leading to neurodegenerative conditions over time. This raises the possibility of using antiviral drugs or anti-inflammatory agents as early preventive treatments after head trauma to stop HSV-1 activation and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
The study’s findings have significant implications for post-concussion care, aiming to prevent long-term damage often linked to repeated head injuries. The brain tissue model provides a crucial tool in bridging the gap between large-scale health data and the specific biological processes that underlie neurodegenerative diseases.
Source: https://www.earth.com/news/concussions-may-activate-dormant-viruses-in-the-brain