Stress hormones and herpes viruses: how nerve signals trigger recurrences
Official title: Stress Hormone Regulation of HSV1 and HSV2 in Autonomic and Sensory Neurons
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11392872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A science project will study how stress hormones trigger reactivation of herpes viruses (HSV1 and HSV2) in different nerve cells, with the goal of improving understanding and future treatments for recurrent outbreaks.
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 start | September 21, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $385,078 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129820-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with HSV1 or HSV2 infections whose disease manifests as recurrent episodes; findings may inform future therapies.
✕Less likely to help
People without HSV infections or those not experiencing recurrences may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This research follows HSV1/HSV2 infections in human-like nerve cells to learn how stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol influence viral reactivation in autonomic and sensory neurons. The study uses animal models and human-related neuron systems to examine the roles of glucocorticoid and adrenergic receptors in latency and reactivation. By mapping which neuron types react to stress signals and how this affects HSV recurrence, the project aims to pinpoint potential targets for preventing flares. The work builds on preliminary findings showing different reactivation patterns in sympathetic versus sensory neurons. Results could inform new approaches to reduce recurrences and severe complications in people living with HSV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to strategies that prevent HSV reactivation and reduce painful outbreaks and complications.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown stress can trigger HSV reactivation in certain neuron types, but this project extends to autonomic neurons and specific receptor pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
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.