Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified a key protein that allows the virus responsible for genital herpes to enter the nervous system, according to a July 9 report. The discovery was made through experiments on mice and could lead to future vaccines against the disease.
Genital herpes is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and is among the most common viral infections globally. The HSV-2 virus establishes lifelong infection by entering nerve cells, where it can remain dormant and reactivate later. Many carriers do not experience symptoms, while others face recurring issues such as tenderness, burning, blisters, and ulcers. While medication can relieve symptoms, there is currently no approved vaccine against HSV-2.
The study published in PLOS Pathogens describes how researchers found that glycoprotein G—a protein present on the surface of viruses and infected cells—plays a crucial role in HSV-2's movement from infection sites to the nervous system. Experiments showed that viruses lacking a certain form of membrane-bound glycoprotein G could still multiply in mucosal tissue but had significantly reduced ability to spread into nervous tissue and the central nervous system.
The research also indicated glycoprotein G's promise as a vaccine target. Mice immunized with this protein developed strong antibody and T-cell responses, which protected them against genital herpes infection and its spread to nerve tissues. Additionally, sugar molecules bound naturally to glycoprotein G—called glycans—were found important for optimal immune response; removing these structures weakened both T-cell response and protective effects.
Rickard Nordén, microbiologist and associate professor at the University of Gothenburg, said, "Our results identify glycoprotein G as both a virulence factor and a promising vaccine target. This provides a strong rationale for including the glycosylated form of the protein in future herpes vaccine development."
