Cellular process fights type 1 herpes

Canadian and U.S. researchers have identified a cellular process that seeks out and fights type 1 herpes simplex — cold sores.

The five-year study, a joint project with the University of Montreal, Washington University and Pennsylvania State University, found that the nuclear membrane of an infected cell can unmask type 1 herpes simplex and stimulate the immune system to disintegrate the virus.

Once human cells are infected with Type 1 herpes simplex, the virus comes back because it hides and blocks protection from our immune system, lead author Luc English, a doctoral student at the University of Montreal, said in a statement.

For the first time, our research team has unidentified a combative cellular mechanism in this game of hide-and-seek.

The team made its discovery while conducting various tests in type 1 herpes simplex infected mice cells. They replicated environments when type 1 herpes simplex thrives, namely periods of low-grade fever and found that herpes-fighting mechanisms were unleashed.

The findings are published in the online edition of Nature Immunology.