Experimental Gene Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Oral and Genital Herpes
Gene therapy has emerged as a potential breakthrough in the fight against oral and genital herpes, according to a recent study published in Nature Communications. The research conducted on lab mice infected with oral herpes revealed that the experimental treatment was successful in eradicating or significantly reducing the viral load.
The therapy involves the injection of chemicals that modify genes to target the hidden herpes virus within the body. Herpes is known for its ability to evade detection and reactivate, causing painful blisters on the skin. Dr. Keith Jerome, a professor at Seattle’s Fred Hutch Cancer Center, explained the virus’s strategy and the use of a gene-editing cocktail that includes modified delivery viruses containing an enzyme acting as “molecular scissors.”
To release the enzyme, the delivery virus must reach the cluster of nerves where the herpes virus resides. The enzyme works by damaging or killing the herpes virus, cutting its DNA in two different places. Once the damaged DNA is recognized as foreign, the body’s natural healing processes eliminate it. Martine Albert, the principal investigator at Fred Hutch, emphasized the severe damage caused by the enzyme, making recovery impossible for the virus.
Oral herpes, caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, affects a staggering 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 worldwide, as reported by the World Health Organization. Genital herpes, caused by herpes simplex virus type 2, affects approximately 491 million individuals between the ages of 15 and 49. The researchers found that the experimental drug successfully eliminated 90% of herpes simplex 1 infections in the face and 97% of infections in the vagina in infected mice.
The reductions in viral load were observed after just one month of treatment, and the effectiveness of the therapy increased with time. Dr. Jerome highlighted the importance of reducing virus transmission from infected individuals to others, as it is a significant concern for people living with herpes. He stated that the research demonstrates the ability of gene therapy to lower the quantity of secreted virus and its internal content.
The trial conducted in 2020 utilized three different delivery viruses, each carrying two different enzymes to attack the herpes virus. However, the current focus is on developing a streamlined gene-editing approach with fewer side effects on the liver and nerves. Dr. Jerome believes that this approach will make the therapy safer and easier to administer for patients.
The next step for the researchers is to translate these promising findings into drugs that can be tested in human clinical trials. Dr. Jerome reassured that they are actively collaborating with various partners to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of the gene therapy during clinical trials.
In addition to targeting herpes simplex 1, the team is also working on refining their gene therapy-editing strategy to specifically target herpes simplex 2. This novel treatment approach holds great promise in providing a more effective method of treating herpes and potentially improving the lives of millions affected by these infections.
In conclusion, experimental gene therapy has shown significant potential in combating oral and genital herpes. The groundbreaking research conducted on lab mice has paved the way for further development and potential human clinical trials. With ongoing efforts to refine the therapy and ensure its safety and effectiveness, there is hope for a future where gene therapy can offer a more efficient and reliable treatment option for individuals suffering from herpes infections.