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Keratin, a dual role in herpes simplex virus pathogenesis
1Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 502 Johnson Pavilion, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA. hfriedma@mail.med.upenn.edu
Summary
Keratin provides a barrier against initial herpes simplex virus infection but may shield the virus from immune responses. This allows recurrent herpes simplex virus infections to develop in keratinized tissues.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Keratin is a structural protein found in epithelial cells.
- Keratin forms a protective barrier on skin and mucosal surfaces.
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes lifelong infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dual role of keratin in herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection.
- To understand how keratin influences HSV recurrence at mucocutaneous junctions.
- To inform the development of effective HSV vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Review of the natural history of HSV infection.
- Analysis of keratin's interaction with the immune system at mucosal sites.
- Examination of HSV tropism for keratinized versus non-keratinized tissues.
Main Results:
- Keratin acts as a barrier against primary HSV infection.
- Keratin may protect HSV from immune surveillance on mucosal surfaces.
- Recurrent HSV lesions preferentially occur in keratinized tissues.
Conclusions:
- Keratin's role is complex, offering protection but also facilitating recurrent HSV infections.
- Targeting keratinized tissues may be crucial for effective HSV vaccine strategies.
- Immunity on mucosal surfaces may not be sufficient to protect keratinized tissues from HSV.