Herpes Virus Linked to Alzheimer's Disease Progression

New research suggests herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) may contribute to Alzheimer's by triggering changes in tau protein, offering potential therapeutic targets.

A University of Pittsburgh study found that HSV-1 infection is associated with elevated levels of tau protein, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease pathology.
The research showed that tau initially acts as a protective immune response to viral infection but later contributes to neurodegeneration.
Brain samples from Alzheimer's patients revealed higher concentrations of HSV-1 proteins co-located with tau tangles in affected regions.
Lab-grown brain models demonstrated that HSV-1 infection induces tau phosphorylation, which helps protect neurons from viral damage but may worsen over time.
The findings open pathways for potential treatments targeting viral proteins, immune responses, or antiviral medications to mitigate Alzheimer's progression.