Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Activation of endogenous retrovirus reverse transcriptase in multiple sclerosis patient lymphocytes by inactivated
Tomasz Brudek1, Pernille Lühdorf, Tove Christensen
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. tb@microbiology.au.dk
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and herpesviruses have been associated with the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). These virus groups interact with each other and have been shown to induce synergistic immune responses. Here, we focus on the possible role of herpesviruses as contributing factors in HERV activation. We demonstrate the ability of HSV-1, HHV-6, and VZV antigens to induce higher RT activity in peripheral lymphocytes from MS patients vs. controls during the first 6 days post-antigen stimulation. On subsequent days, only VZV can sustain the increase in the RT expression in cells from MS patients. The RT induction does not depend on herpes replication.
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and herpesviruses have been associated with the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). These virus groups interact with each other and have been shown to induce synergistic immune responses. Here, we focus on the possible role of herpesviruses as contributing factors in HERV activation. We demonstrate the ability of HSV-1, HHV-6, and VZV antigens to induce higher RT activity in peripheral lymphocytes from MS patients vs. controls during the first 6 days post-antigen stimulation. On subsequent days, only VZV can sustain the increase in the RT expression in cells from MS patients. The RT induction does not depend on herpes replication.
More Related Videos
13:22Detection of the Genome and Transcripts of a Persistent DNA Virus in Neuronal Tissues by Fluorescent In situ Hybridization Combined with Immunostaining
Published on: January 23, 2014
10:10Retroviral Scanning: Mapping MLV Integration Sites to Define Cell-specific Regulatory Regions
Published on: May 28, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Herpes
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Retroviruses