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Herpes simplex virus type 2 entry into cultured human corneal fibroblasts is mediated by herpesvirus entry mediator

Vaibhav Tiwari1, Shripaad Y Shukla1, Beatrice Y J T Yue1

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.

The Journal of General Virology
|July 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) eye infections are rising. Researchers found that human corneal fibroblasts are highly susceptible to HSV-2, with herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) playing a key role in viral entry.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Virology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) eye infections are increasingly prevalent in adults.
  • The cornea is a likely entry point for HSV-2 into the eye.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the susceptibility of human corneal fibroblasts (CFs) to HSV-2.
  • To identify the potential role of herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) in HSV-2 ocular infections.

Main Methods:

  • Primary cultures of human corneal fibroblasts (CFs) were used.
  • Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and flow cytometry were employed to analyze gene expression.
  • Blocking experiments using anti-HVEM antibodies were conducted.

Main Results:

  • Corneal fibroblasts (CFs) demonstrated high susceptibility to HSV-2 entry and replication.
  • Expression of herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) was detected in CFs.
  • Anti-HVEM antibodies inhibited HSV-2 entry into CFs, implicating HVEM as a potential receptor.

Conclusions:

  • Human corneal fibroblasts are a natural target for HSV-2.
  • Herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM) is likely a crucial receptor mediating HSV-2 entry into corneal cells.
  • HVEM may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of HSV-2-induced corneal infections.

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