Viruses are based on hosts to survive. But some viruses are more effective in reproducing than others. Now, new research has shown that the herpes virus, more specifically of the type 1 herpes virus (HSV-1), can change human DNA after less than an hour of infection.
According to a new study published in Communication of natureThe virus is more than diverting the cells from the host. Instead, it makes fundamental changes to the human genome, which allows it to completely change the DNA of those infected to help fuel its reproduction.
In addition, researchers say that the changes brought by the herpes virus to human DNA are not a side effect. Instead, this reshaping is an intentional change. And once configured, the changes allow the virus to create the perfect space to multiply. Although herpes can have more drastic effects, most of the time, it generally appears only as cold buttons.
It is so widespread, however, that it is estimated that more than two -thirds of people under the age of 50 bear the virus. However, it does not always present itself in all those infected. When this is the case, it generally does it only during periods of stress, illness or immune suppression. But, as indicated above, it can spread beyond that to cause encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain, and even genital infections.
What makes this virus work so intriguing towards scientists is that it supports Rnap II, a type of RNA which is responsible for the copy and manufacture of a new DNA. However, once the herpes virus takes control, the RNA begins to copy its own genes and make new copies of itself instead. This allows the virus to reproduce at an unprecedented rate.
This type of control is not invisible in other viruses. Some virus type parasites react similarly, taking control of host cells to reproduce their own. This is a reason Viruses are so difficult to fight. Fortunately, researchers have discovered that an enzyme can prevent the virus from taking control like this. This makes this new enzyme, called Top1, a viable competitor to fight against the virus.
We hope that this research will provide additional objectives for new therapies.
