Dormant herpes virus linked to long COVID via SITH-1 protein
A Japanese study suggests long COVID symptoms may result when a coronavirus activates a dormant herpes virus, producing the SITH-1 protein detected in about 70% of the 150+ patients studied. In mice, higher SITH-1 levels impaired brain function, hinting at a potential target for therapies; the WHO estimates roughly 6% of COVID-19 patients experience persistent symptoms.