Protein discovery may lead to herpes treatment advancements

A new study may help researchers better understand the herpes virus, which could lead to the development of new medications, according to findings published in the journal. Nature Structural and Molecular Biology.

Using imaging equipment, a team of investigators from the Tufts University School of Medicine was able to examine the cell-entry protein complex that leads the virus' cell production, according to HealthDayNews.com In addition to to these compounds, the imaging tools showed that the herpes virus needs two other proteins in order to cause damage to healthy human cells.

By discovering these additional compounds, the researchers concluded that this study could lead to advancements in herpes treatments that could prevent breakouts or cure the virus. Currently, one out of every six Americans aged 14 to 49 years tests positive for herpes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Tirumala K. Chowdary, a postdoctoral associate at the university, told the news source that these findings may "help us answer some of the many questions about how herpes virus initiates infection." She added that "knowing the structures of cell-entry proteins will help us find the best strategy for interfering with this pervasive family of viruses."