![Studying How HIV and Herpes Virus Interact]()
When people are co-infected with HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2, the primary cause of genital herpes), the combined infection can reactivate latent HIV-1 infection. But the biological mechanisms which contribute to interactions between HIV and HSV-2 are not well understood. The NIH has awarded Betsy Herold, M.D., and colleagues a five-year, $2.49 million grant to investigate those mechanisms. They will test their hypothesis that HSV-2 triggers changes in CD4+ T cells (including reducing intracellular levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 32) that promote latent HIV-1 to reactivate. Their findings may lead to new strategies for eliminating HIV. Using HSV-2 coinfection as a tool, they will identify pathways and molecules that could be targeted to block HIV reactivation caused by HSV-2. Conversely, the researchers will explore ways to purposely reactivate latent HIV as part of an HIV eradication strategy known as “shock and kill.” Dr. Herold is professor of pediatrics, of microbiology & immunology, and of obstetrics & gynecology and women’s health. (1R01AI134367-01A1)
Posted on: Thursday, February 22, 2018