Herpes simplex virus type 1 persists in the aged brain through hypothetical expression of accessory genes

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus type 1 persists in the brain of most aged individuals and may contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. The virus likely utilizes accessory genes for neural spread within the nervous system and herpes simplex virus type 1 may regulate various host responses through an array of accessory genes. This mini-review focuses on these viral accessory genes that may shed light on the potential mechanisms of this enigmatic phenomenon in the elderly brain.

Keywords::

• accessory genes
• amyloid-β; central nervous system
• herpes simplex virus type 1
• host responses
• neural transport

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.