Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have uncovered a surprising link between Alzheimer’s disease and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). The study, published today in Cell Reports, suggests that viral infections may play a role in the development of the disease.
According to the study, HSV-1 can initially protect the brain from itself but ultimately contribute to brain damage. The researchers found forms of HSV-1-related proteins in Alzheimer’s brain samples and discovered a protective mechanism where the virus modulates levels of brain tau protein.
The study suggests that targeting viral proteins or fine-tuning the brain’s immune response could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Further research will aim to explore these mechanisms and investigate whether similar processes are involved in other neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and ALS.
The findings challenge the conventional view of tau protein, which is often seen as solely harmful in Alzheimer’s. Instead, it may initially act as part of the brain’s immune defense, according to senior author Or Shemesh, Ph.D.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-herpes-virus-alzheimer-pathology.html