Why can herpes cause encephalitis?

It is said that about two-thirds of the world’s population use it Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infected. Most people don’t notice it or only have mild symptoms. However, some people, especially children and those who are immunocompromised, may experience severe symptoms Brain inflammation which can sometimes be life threatening. A research team has now identified the cause of this complication.

researchers Cleveland Clinic With an international working group, they have discovered the cause of the herpes virus HSV-1 In rare cases one Brain inflammation It can lead to. Apparently, a specific genetic mutation leads to A Overreaction of the immune system to the virus. The results have now been published in the journalImmunology” Foot.

Two-thirds of the world’s population is infected with the HSV-1 virus

HSV-1 is one of the most widespread viruses in the world. Around 70 percent of all people carry it by itself. The vast majority of people get it in childhood herpes virus;. The most common symptom of infection is Cold sores on the mouth. However, many infected people have no symptoms at all.

How is herpes encephalitis manifested?

In very rare cases, the so-called HSV-1 infection occurs Herpes encephalitis. Especially children and people who have one HIV affected by this complexity. HSV encephalitis is manifested by symptoms such as:

  • limitation of speech function,
  • Fever,
  • behavior change,
  • confusion,
  • confusion,
  • Perception disorders
  • altered sense of smell,
  • neck stiffness,
  • seizures,
  • Come

Herpes encephalitis is caused by a genetic mutation

As part of the study, the research team analyzed the genetic information of a young immunocompromised patient who was hospitalized with encephalitis at the age of nine months. Researchers have discovered the cause of the rare complication: one Mutation in dem Gen GTF3A affect it The innate immune system.

According to the working group, the mutation could serve as a marker to identify people at risk for herpes encephalitis. However, the team cautions that this type of mutation in general very rare he is.

Why do GTF3A mutations cause encephalitis?

As the participating scientists explained, GTF3A mutations affect the way cells react to viral activities. This triggers the sequence of operations that eventually creates a file Uncontrolled immune response to herpes viruses It causes encephalitis.

“This information gives us insight into the fundamental molecular processes that control our immune response and opens up possibilities for future research into the consequences of serious diseases.”comments the principal investigator Dr. Michaela Jack.

The results are also important for other viral diseases

The newly discovered genetic pathways could also be useful in detecting unusual immune responses to other viruses such as Epstein Barr virus To understand it with advent crepes And the Multiple sclerosis Connected.

“Understanding the molecular processes underlying the antiviral response holds the key to treating, or potentially preventing, serious, life-altering viral infections for patients and their families.”Briefly Dr. jack. (FP)

Author and source information

This text complies with the requirements of specialized medical literature, medical guidelines, and current studies and has been validated by medical professionals.

author:

Graduate Editor (FH) Volker Plasek

Sources:

  • Cleveland Clinic researchers collaborate with international team to reveal how the body responds to life-threatening illnesses from HSV-1 (veröffentlicht: 30.11.2022), newsroom.clevelandclinic.org
  • Leslie Naessens, Santoshi Mobala, Dheeraj Acharya, et al.: GTF3A mutations predispose to herpes simplex encephalitis by disrupting the biogenesis of the host-derived RIG-I ligand RNA5SP141; In: Immunology (2022), science.org

important note:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It cannot replace a visit to the doctor.

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