Herpes Virus in the Nose Can Lead to Long Term Brain and Behavior Issues

Medical News: A New Discovery on How Herpes Affects the Brain
Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is well known for causing cold sores and blisters, but researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) have uncovered a more alarming effect of the virus. According to their latest study, the virus, when it enters the body through the nose, can reach the brain and cause long-term neurological and behavioral problems. This Medical News report highlights how this virus can impact millions of people worldwide.


Herpes Virus in the Nose Can Lead to Long Term Brain and Behavior Issues

The study, led by Dr Deepak Shukla, a professor at UIC’s College of Medicine, provides strong evidence that intranasal infection with HSV-1 can lead to severe nerve damage. The research team observed that the virus takes advantage of an enzyme called heparanase to spread through the nervous system, leading to inflammation, memory loss, anxiety, and motor impairments. These findings emphasize the need for better preventive measures and treatments for this highly common virus.
 
The Link Between the Nose and the Brain
Previous studies from Shukla’s laboratory have shown that HSV-1 can spread to the brain and eyes, causing conditions like encephalitis and blindness. However, this new research focuses specifically on what happens when the virus enters through the nasal cavity. Since the nasal passage is closely connected to the brain, the virus gains more direct access to the nervous system than previously thought.

“If an infected person sheds the virus through their tears, it can travel through the nasal cavity and reach the brain,” explains Shukla. “We believe that this method of transmission is underdiagnosed and that its neurological consequences are more severe than what is commonly recognized.”
 
Using animal models, the researchers found that just days after intranasal infection, the brain showed signs of inflammation and nerve cell damage. More concerning, the infected animals exhibited anxiety, memory loss, and poor motor coordination for several months - a time equivalent to decades in human life.
 
Heparanase: The Enzyme That Helps the Virus Spread
The researchers focused on a key enzyme called heparanase, which appears to play a critical role in how HSV-1 causes long-term damage. Heparanase is known to be involved in various infections, but this study found that it significantly contributes to the virus’s ability to trigger neuroinflammation.
 
To test this, the researchers used genetically modified mice that lacked the heparanase gene. They found that these mice showed significantly fewer neurological symptoms after HSV-1 infection compared to normal mice. This suggests that heparanase plays a major role in worsening brain damage caused by the virus.
 
“These insights open the door to potential therapeutic approaches to reduce the harmful effects of HSV-1 in the brain,” said Hemant Borase, the study’s fir st author and a postdoctoral researcher at UIC.
 
A Global Health Concern
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly two-thirds of the global population carries HSV-1. While many people experience only mild symptoms, this study suggests that the virus could have long-term neurological consequences that are not yet fully understood.
 
“The virus stays in the body for life and can reactivate at any time,” said Chandrashekhar Patil, a research assistant professor and co-author of the study. “Our findings highlight the importance of increased awareness, especially among the millions of people who already have this virus.”
 
Long-Term Neurological Effects
One of the most striking findings of the study was the impact of HSV-1 on brain function. The infected animals displayed signs of cognitive decline and anxiety-like behavior for extended periods, suggesting that the virus can cause chronic damage. The symptoms included:
 
-Poor memory and difficulty recognizing objects
-Increased anxiety and stress-related behaviors
-Problems with motor coordination and balance
 
The study also found that the virus caused inflammation in brain regions responsible for movement and memory, supporting the idea that long-term HSV-1 infection can lead to neurological diseases.
 
The Role of the Immune System
Another key aspect of the study was the immune response triggered by the virus. Researchers found that the virus activated a set of immune pathways involving proteins known as toll-like receptors (TLRs) and inflammasomes. These proteins play a role in recognizing infections but can also cause excessive inflammation if overactivated.
 
The study found that infected animals had high levels of these immune molecules in their brain tissue, which could explain why HSV-1 infection leads to long-lasting neurological symptoms. The findings suggest that blocking some of these immune responses may help protect the brain from damage.
 
Potential Treatment Strategies
Since heparanase appears to be a key factor in HSV-1-induced brain damage, targeting this enzyme could be a new approach for treatment. The study suggests that medications or therapies designed to inhibit heparanase might help reduce neuroinflammation and prevent long-term damage caused by the virus.
 
“This study presents a strong case for further investigation into heparanase inhibitors as potential treatments for HSV-1-related brain infections,” said Shukla. “If we can find a way to block this enzyme, we may be able to protect the brain from long-term damage.”
 
Conclusion
This groundbreaking study from the University of Illinois Chicago reveals a concerning new aspect of HSV-1 infection: its ability to cause long-term neurological and behavioral issues when it enters the brain through the nasal cavity. The research highlights the role of the enzyme heparanase in worsening these effects, offering a potential target for future treatments. Given that billions of people carry HSV-1, these findings have major implications for global health.
 
While more research is needed, this study serves as a critical step toward understanding how common viral infections can lead to long-term brain damage. The hope is that with further investigation, new treatments can be developed to protect people from the hidden dangers of HSV-1.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal mBio.
https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.03765-24
 
For the latest on Herpes, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
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