A to Z

herpesvirus

·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.

This shows a hand holding a drawing of a brain

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·November 26, 2019·4 min read

Multiple sclerosis linked to variant of common herpes virus

Researchers link the Human Herpes Virus 6A to the development of multiple sclerosis.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·January 9, 2019·5 min read

Schizophrenia Linked to Abnormal Immune Response to Herpes Virus that Causes Mono

A new study reports people with schizophrenia have higher levels of antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus, a herpes virus that causes mononucleosis. Researchers propose two explanations for the link to the heightened immune response to the virus: schizophrenia may alter the immune system, making patients more susceptible to EBV, or EBV may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·September 13, 2021·5 min read

Study Finds Evidence of Possible Link Between Herpes Simplex and Neurogenerative Diseases

Researchers discovered mutations of the OPTN gene resulted in increased herpesvirus 1 growth in the brains of mice, leading to the death of local neurons. This resulted in accelerated neurodegeneration. OPTN deficiency was also associated with impairments in immune response. While these findings are specific to the HSV-1 virus, researchers believe the findings may apply to up to eight herpesvirus infections.