Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial disease triggered by environmental factors in combination with genetic predisposition. Infectious agents, in particular herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), are gradually being recognised as important factors affecting the development of AD. However, the mechanism linking HSV-1 and AD remains unknown. Of note, HSV-1 manipulates the activity of cofilin-1 to ensure their efficient infection in neuron cells. Cofilin-1, the main regulator of actin cytoskeleton reorganization, is implicating for the plastic of dendritic spines and axon regeneration of neuronal cells. Moreover, dysfunction of cofilin-1 is observed in most AD patients, as well as in mice with AD and ageing. Further, inhibition of cofilin-1 activity ameliorates the host cognitive impairment in an animal model of AD. Together, dysregulation of cofilin-1 led by HSV-1 infection is a potential link between HSV-1 and AD. Herein, we critically summarize the role of cofilin-1-mediated actin dynamics in both HSV-1 infection and AD, respectively. We also propose several hypotheses regarding the connecting roles of cofilin-1 dysregulation in HSV-1 infection and AD. Our review provides a foundation for future studies targeting individuals carrying HSV-1 in combination with cofilin-1 to promote a more individualised approach for treatment and prevention of AD.
Author contributions
Yiliang Wang, Xiaowei Song, and Yun Wang: conception and design, collection and/or assembly of data, data analysis and interpretation, manuscript writing; Lianzhou Huang, Yun Wang, Shurong Qin, and Feng Li: collection and/or assembly of data, data analysis and interpretation; Fujun Jin, Zhe Ren, and Yifei Wang: conception and design, manuscript writing, final approval of manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Yiliang Wang and Xiaowei Song contributed equally to this manuscript.
Disclosure statement
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.