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Updated: May 2, 2026
11:56
Ex Vivo Infection of Murine Epidermis with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1
Published on: August 24, 2015
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TMEFF1 is a neuron-specific restriction factor for herpes simplex virus.
Yao Dai1, Manja Idorn2,3, Manutea C Serrero2,3
1Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Nature
|July 24, 2024
Summary
Researchers discovered TMEFF1, a neuron-specific protein, acts as a crucial factor in restricting herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) replication. This finding is vital for understanding brain protection against viral infections and inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neurovirology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- The brain is vulnerable to damage from infections and inflammation.
- Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) can cause herpes simplex encephalitis.
- The role of neuron-specific antiviral factors in brain protection is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify neuron-specific antiviral factors that restrict HSV-1 replication.
- To understand the protective mechanisms of these factors in the central nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide CRISPR screening to identify restriction factors.
- Using stem-cell-derived human neurons and Tmeff1 knockout mice.
- Investigating viral entry mechanisms and replication dynamics.
Main Results:
- TMEFF1 was identified as an HSV-1 restriction factor, specifically expressed in central nervous system neurons.
- TMEFF1 depletion increased HSV-1 replication and neuronal death.
- TMEFF1 inhibits HSV-1 entry by interacting with nectin-1 and myosin heavy chains.
- Tmeff1 knockout mice showed increased brain susceptibility to HSV-1.
Conclusions:
- TMEFF1 is a critical neuron-specific restriction factor against HSV-1 in the brain.
- TMEFF1 plays a key role in preventing excessive viral replication and neuronal damage.
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