Cold Sore Virus HSV-1 Found to Invade and Affect Brain Function

New research reveals pathways and potential impacts of HSV-1 on the central nervous system, linking it to neurodegenerative diseases.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), commonly known for causing cold sores, can infiltrate the brain through the trigeminal and olfactory nerves.
Researchers from the University of Colorado and the University of Bourgogne mapped the virus's presence in key brain regions, including the brain stem and hypothalamus.
HSV-1's interaction with microglia, the brain's immune cells, leads to inflammation, which may persist even after the virus is undetectable.
Persistent inflammation caused by HSV-1 is linked to chronic inflammation, a known factor in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
The study enhances understanding of HSV-1's role in brain health, providing a foundation for future research on its long-term effects.