A French group studied immunological responses to HHV-6 and CMV in healthy adults ex vivo and found that HHV-6 induces an excessive number of potently immunosuppressive T regulatory cells that block dendritic cell maturation and functions.
An elevated CD134/CD4+ ratio before conditioning results in a 10 fold increased risk of HHV-6B reactivation
A prospective study of allogenic stem cell transplant patients in Japan suggests that the percentage of CD134+ T cells could be used to predict which patients are vulnerable to HHV-6 reactivation. The authors propose that further investigation into the effect of elevated CD134+ T cells pre-transplant is warranted.
HHV-6 linked to neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, longer hospital stays and a 5X increased risk of serious complications after autologous transplant
In a prospective study, patients with HHV-6 infection took longer to recover neutrophils and platelets. They also spent significantly more time in the hospital with complications.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of Alzheimer’s brains showed early changes that are highly cell-type specific with APOE strongly upregulated in the microglia
MIT examined transcription across tens of thousands of individual cells in both Alzheimer’s and healthy brains and found APOE strongly upregulated in the microglia and perturbation in myelination-related processes in multiple cell types including oligodendrocytes.
Could autophagy dysregulation link neurotropic viruses to Alzheimer’s disease?
The cellular housekeeping function of autophagy may play a role in Alzheimer’s as dysfunction could result in the accumulation of amyloid. HHV-6A, HHV-6B and HSV1 can infect central nervous system cells and dysregulate autophagy.
University of Washington launches service supporting viral diagnostic tests
The University of Washington’s expert diagnostics team has launched a Center for Viral Excellence, a service that can help companies and labs to evaluate diagnostic tests for viruses. The Due to their expertise in sequencing and droplet-based technologies, the UW team that includes Keith Jerome, Alex Greninger, Linda Cook is often asked for advice. They are now planning to monetize …
The HHV-6 Research Community mourns the loss of Niza Frenkel, PhD
Niza Frenkel, PhD 1947 – 2019 Niza Frenkel, a world-renowned virologist, passed away in Tel Aviv, Israel, on May 30, 2019. Born in Israel, she completed her graduate studies at the University of Chicago (MSc. and PhD) and her post-doctoral fellowship at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. She then joined the faculty of the University of Chicago (1974-88) …
The HHV-6 Research Community mourns the loss of Yoshizo Asano, MD, PhD
Yoshizo Asano, MD, PhD Yoshizo Asano was a dedicated scientist and physician, friend and mentor. We will always remember his tireless efforts on behalf of patients and the research community. Educaton & Degrees: M.D. 1969 – Nagoya University Ph.D. 1978 – Nagaya University 1979-2010 – Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Professor and Chair 2010-2016 – Professor …
Mori lab identifies a vaccine and immunotherapy target for HHV6-B
Rational vaccine design requires understanding details of protective immunity against each virus. Yasuko Mori and associates from Japan have now identified CD4+ and H-2Kd restricted CD8+ T-cell epitopes essential for HHV-6B viral entry, opening new possibilities for vaccines and immunotherapy.
Breakthrough on therapeutic HHV-6B neutralizing antibodies
Yasuko Mori and colleagues were successful in humanizing two neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to HHV-6B. The chimeric antibodies performed well enough to show promise for therapeutic use.
HHV-6 DR7 found to promote glioma development and progression
A Chinese group found HHV-6 direct repeat 7 in 48% of glioma tumors. Furthermore, they determined that DR7 overexpression could promote glioma cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis. Expression profiles showed that DR7 created an inflammatory microenvironment that enhanced degradation of the extracellular matrix.
HHV-6 interacts with HLA-B*13:01 to confer a 92-fold increased risk of trichloroethylene hypersensitivity reaction
Chinese investigators determined that human leukocyte antigen polymorphism HLA-B*13:01 and HHV-6 DNA blood positivity were not only independently associated with occupational trichloroethylene hypersensitivity, they had an interactive effect, increasing the odds ratio to 92.
Herpesvirus saliva DNA increases dramatically during spaceflight
A number of astronauts have complained about herpesvirus reactivations during flight, and several developed shingles. Investigators at NASA determined that space flight increases herpesvirus shedding in saliva, compared to levels before and after their missions.
Does corticosteroid use for aGVHD prophylaxis lower HHV-6 reactivation by reducing IL-6?
A new study reports a surprisingly low rate of HHV-6 reactivation in recipients of half-matched bone marrow grafts using a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen. The authors speculate that the corticosteroid used for prophylaxis may have suppressed cytokine production which in turn limited reactivation of HHV-6.
Foscarnet approved for HHV-6 encephalitis in Japan
Although foscarnet is widely used for HHV-6 encephalitis, it has never been specifically approved for HHV-6. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare was the first to approve foscarnet (Foscavir) for the treatment of HHV-6 encephalitis.