How stress hormones affect herpes viruses in nerve cells
Stress Hormone Regulation of HSV1 and HSV2 in Autonomic and Sensory Neurons
This study is looking at how stress hormones can wake up the herpes viruses (HSV1 and HSV2) in your body, which might cause painful outbreaks, and it hopes to find new ways to help manage these flare-ups for people who experience them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10913524 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of stress hormones in the reactivation of herpes simplex viruses (HSV1 and HSV2) within autonomic and sensory neurons. It aims to understand how stress triggers these viruses, which can lead to severe health issues such as skin lesions, blindness, and meningitis. The study will explore the different responses of sympathetic neurons to stress hormones and how these responses contribute to the severity and recurrence of herpes infections. By examining the interaction between stress hormones and viral latency, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets for managing herpes virus outbreaks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who experience recurrent herpes simplex virus infections.
Not a fit: Patients with other viral infections or those who do not have a history of herpes simplex virus infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for herpes virus infections, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of outbreaks.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that stress can influence viral reactivation, but this specific approach focusing on the role of stress hormones in HSV latency is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bertke, Andrea S — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Bertke, Andrea S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.