Cold Sore Virus Linked to Brain Invasion and Alzheimer's Risk

Researchers at CU Anschutz have discovered that the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), known for causing cold sores, can invade the central nervous system and target specific brain regions, potentially triggering neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. The study, published in the Journal of Virology, maps HSV-1's path in the brain, affecting areas responsible for sleep, mood, and hormonal control. The research also highlights the role of microglia, the brain's immune cells, which become inflamed upon interacting with HSV-1, potentially leading to chronic inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.