“Viruses know the immune system so well that during their evolution they have developed sophisticated countermeasures to cleverly trick the immune system,” says biologist Melanie Brinkmann, group coordinator at the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI) and professor at the Technical University. Braunschweig.
What are the types of herpes viruses?
The highly adaptable herpesviruses include more than 200 known species, nine of which are specific to humans. These viruses include herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles, and Epstein-Barr virus, which causes infectious mononucleosis and may also be linked to the development of multiple sclerosis and several types of cancer.
Once infected, the virus remains in the body for life. The infection is often asymptomatic and the viruses remain in the body in a so-called latency state. Only when the body is weakened by a strong infection or stress do symptoms such as the well-known pimples appear.
Although effective evidence on the relationship between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases is still unclear, these discoveries help in the development of effective treatments and potential vaccines.
How to protect yourself from herpes viruses?
To date, there is no approved vaccine against herpes simplex virus. Immunity to herpes simplex 2 is being developed by BioNTech. The research is in the clinical testing phase.
Emily Brontë is a journalist and feature writer specialising in culture, entertainment, literature, and current affairs. She is dedicated to producing clear, accurate reporting that helps readers stay informed about developments in the UK and around the world.
