Antibodies to HHV-6 and VZV dUTPases were significantly elevated in Gulf War Illness patients compared to controls, and EBV dUTPase antibodies were elevated in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients.
miRNA changes by HHV-6A parallel those found in autoimmune thyroid disease
Investigators by at the University of Ferrara report intriguing alterations in intracellular regulation of HHV-6A-infected thyrocytes and T cells. HHV-6A, but not HHV-6B nor HHV-7, altered expression of several microRNAs in a pattern that is considered a marker for patients with autoimmune thyroid disease.
GAD antibodies & HHV-6 limbic encephalitis – a case of molecular mimicry?
A fifth case of limbic encephalitis associated with GAD antibodies and HHV-6 infection has been reported, this time in an immunocompetent woman with chromosomally integrated HHV-6, epilepsy, and psychosis. The patient’s condition improved (with a drop in GAD antibody titers and stabilization of psychotic symptoms) in response to three weeks of antiviral therapy but relapsed when antiviral therapy was withdrawn.
Epstein-Barr Virus and Human herpes virus 6 Type A DNA Enhance IL-17 Production in Mice
Since both HHV-6 and EBV have been associated with an increased risk of autoimmune disease development, a group at the American University of Beirut studied whether viral DNA might be capable of triggering IL-17, a cytokine associated with autoimmune disease. They injected BALB/c mice intraperitoneally with either EBV or HHV-6A DNA. They found that both IL-17 and IL-23 were markedly elevated.
HHV-6 as a trigger of autoimmune disease?
Researchers discuss the potential mechanisms by which HHV-6A/B may contribute to autoimmune disease
Does HHV-6 cause thyroiditis and autoimmunity in patients with drug hypersensitivity?
Case report describes two cases of DRESS related thyroiditis with very high levels of HHV-6 reactivation that go on to develop autoimmunity.
Study shows HHV-6 reactivation is disproportionately elevated among patients with autoimmune connective tissue disease
New study from Italy indicates that HHV-6 reactivation is selectively increased among patients suffering from autoimmune connective tissue diseases (ACTD).
HHV-6A linked to Thyroiditis, Autoimmune Disease
A group from Italy has linked HHV-6A to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and provides evidence for autoimmune disease associated with HHV-6A and HHV-6B.