Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a surprising connection between herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and Alzheimer’s disease, suggesting that viral infections may contribute to neurodegeneration. The study found that tau protein, typically seen as harmful in Alzheimer’s, initially protects the brain from the virus but later exacerbates damage.
In the study, HSV-1 viral proteins were observed near tau tangles in Alzheimer’s-affected brain regions, pointing to a complex relationship between infection, immune response, and neurodegeneration. The findings suggest that targeting viral proteins or modulating the immune response could inform new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
According to senior author Or Shemesh, Ph.D., the study challenges the conventional view of tau as solely harmful, showing that it may initially act as part of the brain’s immune defense. The research team identified forms of HSV-1-related proteins in Alzheimer’s brain samples and found that these proteins co-localized with tangles of phosphorylated tau, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
The study also revealed that HSV-1 infection could modulate levels of brain tau protein and regulate its function, offering a potential protective mechanism. However, the precise mechanisms by which HSV-1 influences tau protein and contributes to Alzheimer’s disease are still unknown.
Further research is planned to explore these questions and test potential therapeutic strategies targeting viral proteins or fine-tuning the brain’s immune response.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/hsv-1-herpesvirus-alzheimers-28297