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herpes simplex virus

·March 15, 2025·4 min read

Herpes Virus Linked to Long-Term Brain and Neurological Problems

A new study reveals that herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), commonly known for causing cold sores, can travel through the nasal cavity directly to the brain, causing severe and lasting neurological symptoms. In animal experiments, nasal HSV-1 infection led to persistent neurological dysfunction, including anxiety and cognitive impairment.

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·January 2, 2025·4 min read

Link Between Cold Sore Herpes Virus and Alzheimer’s Discovered

Researchers discovered a connection between Alzheimer’s disease and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), suggesting viral infections may contribute to neurodegeneration. The study found that tau protein, typically seen as harmful in Alzheimer’s, might initially protect the brain from the virus but later exacerbate damage.

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·November 1, 2024·4 min read

Cold Sore Virus’s Path in Brain Revealed

Research has shown that HSV-1, the virus responsible for cold sores, can spread into specific areas of the brain and may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Mapping HSV-1’s path reveals it targets regions crucial for functions like sleep, movement, and mood regulation.

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·March 29, 2021·5 min read

Differences in Herpes Virus Symptoms May Relate to Variations in Strain Gene Expression

A new study reveals why some people with the herpes simplex 1 virus experience painful lesions, while others have no symptoms and yet still spread the infection. Researchers say the difference could be a result of how variations in the way certain strains of HSV-1 activate gene expression in neurons.

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·September 15, 2020·4 min read

Key Role of Immune Cells in Brain Infection Identified

Study identifies a specific type of immune cell that induces inflammation in herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis.

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·April 7, 2019·5 min read

Does herpes cause Alzheimer’s?

The herpes simplex virus 1, the virus responsible for cold sores, may account for 50% of Alzheimer's disease cases. HSV1 causes protein deposits which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. Findings also reveal antiviral treatments can help to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's in those with HSV1.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience

·January 22, 2018·6 min read

New Neuron-Like Cells Allow Investigation into Synthesis of Vital Cellular Components

Penn State researchers have developed a method to create synthetic neurons in order to study an enzyme involved in the synthesis of purines.

Image shows a girl holidng up a sign with the word Autism on it.

Autism Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·February 23, 2017·6 min read

Autism Risk Linked to Herpes Infection During Pregnancy

Researchers discover a link between genital herpes infections during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in the offspring.

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·June 8, 2016·3 min read

Study Finds a Surprising Cause For Constipation

Study reports on surprising link between chronic constipation and the herpes simplex virus.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 20, 2016·3 min read

How Antibodies Access Neurons to Fight Infection

Researchers report they have solved the puzzle as to how antibodies enter the nervous system to control viral infections.

Image shows brain cells expressing Olig2.

Brain Cancer Featured

·May 9, 2016·5 min read

Experimental Therapy Halts Treatment Resistant Brain Tumors

Researchers report an experimental treatment has shown to be able to stop treatment resistant glioblastoma in human cells and mouse models.

Green fluorescent protein-tagged herpes simplex virus is reactivating from cultures of neurons. Credit: Anna Cliffe, PhD, UNC School of Medicine.

Featured Neurology

·December 9, 2015·6 min read

Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivates in Neurons and Triggers Disease

Researchers discover the cold sore virus, herpes simplex, resides within neurons. During times of stress, the virus reactivates and triggers symptoms associated with the disease.