Researchers have made an exciting discovery: a new molecule that can help stop the spread of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), the virus responsible for cold sores. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments for cold sores and possibly even other viruses and diseases, including cancer.
What is HSV-1 and Why Does It Matter?
Most adults carry the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which typically causes cold sores. While cold sores are annoying, HSV-1 can sometimes lead to more serious infections, like in the eyes or brain, though this is rare. Researchers have long known that an enzyme called heparanase (HPSE) plays a major role in helping the virus spread. This enzyme also helps other viruses and even some cancers spread through the body.
How Does the New Molecule Work?
The researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a molecule that blocks HPSE, preventing HSV-1 from spreading. They first discovered how HSV-1 changes the production of a substance called heparan sulfate, which the virus needs to enter cells. Using this information, the team created special sugars, known as saccharides, that can stop HPSE from breaking down heparan sulfate.
These saccharides were tested on human eye cells infected with HSV-1. The results were promising: when treated with the saccharides, the virus spread much less, and the cells showed signs of better healing. This means that the molecule not only stops the virus but may also help with tissue repair.
Why is This Important?
In their experiments, the researchers found that the saccharides were safe to use, with no signs of damage to the cells. This is a big deal because earlier attempts to block HPSE often caused harmful side effects. Some drugs that inhibit HPSE can cause bleeding because they act similarly to a blood-thinning drug called heparin. But the saccharides in this study don’t have that problem, making them safer for use.
What's Next?
While this research is exciting, there’s still a lot of work to do before this treatment can be used in clinics. However, this discovery is a big step toward developing a new way to fight HSV-1, other viral infections, and even certain cancers.
The findings were published in the journal Angewandte Chemie and mark an important milestone in the search for better treatments for these diseases.
Source:
https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms7985
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ange.202309838
Comments