Research Article
Analysis of HSV-1 Receptor Distribution in Human Brain Cells Analysis of HSV-1 Receptor Distribution in Human Brain Cells
Emily K. Harmon¹*, Marcus J. Ellison², and Priya N. Caldwell¹
1Department of Neurobiology, North Valley Institute of Science and Medicine, Redwood Falls, California, USA
2Department of Molecular Virology, Clearwater State University, Brookhaven, Georgia, USA
Published:14-May-2014
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a neurotropic virus with a high prevalence in the human population. Its ability to invade the central nervous system (CNS) and establish latency is a major concern, potentially leading to various neurological disorders. The entry of HSV-1 into cells is mediated by specific cellular receptors. This study investigates the distribution of the major HSV-1 receptors, including nectin-1, herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), and 3-O-sulfated heparan sulfate (3-OS HS), in different regions of the human brain. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were employed to map the expression of these receptors in post-mortem human brain tissue. The results reveal a heterogeneous distribution of HSV-1 receptors across various brain regions, with some areas showing higher expression than others. These findings provide insights into the potential pathways of HSV-1 entry into the human brain and may help elucidate the mechanisms underlying HSV-1 neuro pathogenesis.
Keywords
Herpes simplex virus-1; HSV-1 receptors; Nectin-1; HVEM; 3-OS HS; Human brain; Immunohistochemistry; qRT-PCR; Neurotropism; Viral entry
