How stress hormones wake up herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2) in nerve cells
Stress Hormone Regulation of HSV1 and HSV2 in Autonomic and Sensory Neurons
This project looks at how short- and long-term stress hormones can wake up HSV-1 and HSV-2 in the nerve cells that cause cold sores, genital herpes, eye disease, or brain infection.
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-11179176 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses nerve cells and animal models to see how stress hormones like epinephrine (short-term) and corticosterone/cortisol (long-term) affect dormant HSV-1 and HSV-2 in sensory and autonomic neurons. They compare neurons that serve the face and genitals, map which hormone receptors each neuron type has, and measure which hormones trigger viral reactivation. Experiments combine cell-level lab work with in vivo models to track how often and under what conditions the virus comes back after stress-hormone exposure. Findings aim to reveal why HSV-1 and HSV-2 behave differently in different nerve types so future strategies can block reactivation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with a history of recurrent HSV-1 (oral) or HSV-2 (genital) infections or those willing to donate samples for herpes research.
Not a fit: People without HSV infection or those seeking immediate antiviral treatment should not expect direct personal benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to ways to prevent or reduce herpes recurrences by targeting stress-hormone pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows stress can trigger herpes reactivation and preliminary data indicate epinephrine provokes HSV-1 in sympathetic neurons, but applying this comparison across autonomic versus sensory neurons for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 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.