Using killer cells to eliminate sleeping viruses - Will herpes become curable?

Researchers are developing killer cells that kill herpes viruses

Herpes viruses are common in humans. When one speaks of herpes, the virus is primarily herpes simplex meant. In Germany, about 85 to 90 percent of the population carry this virus in itself, but it only comes in symptoms of 20 to 40 percent to the fore. A research team from the Helmholtz Zentrum München has now taken a close look at a related virus, herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). The scientists have been able to identify the components of the viruses and they now know at what points so-called killer T cells can attack to turn off the virus.

Herpesvirus 6 is also widespread in humans. Many carriers do not even know that they are infected. In people with a weak immune system, however, it can lead to diseases. A research team at Helmholtz Zentrum München and the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) has developed a possible approach for new therapies to fight herpes viruses. The results of her work were recently published in the journal "PLOS Pathogens".

Herpes viruses remain in the body for a lifetime and can break out in the weakened state. Researchers have succeeded in producing killer cells that kill herpes viruses. (Image: Spectral-Design / fotolia.com)

About herpesvirus 6

In most cases, humans become infected with human herpesvirus 6, HHV-6 for short, already in early childhood. This virus is similar to the herpes simplex virus, which causes the annoying cold sores. HHV-6, however, has other effects. Infection with HHV-6 can trigger the infectious disease three-day fever in infancy or early infancy. Subsequently, the virus remains in the body throughout life.

What diseases can trigger HHV-6?

In healthy people, the virus causes no symptoms. However, it is thought that HHV-6 may contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases and chronic fatigue syndrome. The fact is that patients with severely weakened immune systems, such as after serious surgery, have difficulty controlling the virus. Serious damage to various organs can be the possible consequence.

The toolbox of the immune system helps

Scientists at the Helmholtz Zentrum München are closely studying the virus and how a healthy immune system keeps HHV-6 in check. "We study the toolbox of the immune system," explains Dr. Andreas Moosmann in a press release on the study results. He leads a DZIF research group in the Department of Gene Vectors. "And we discovered some interesting new tools that we were already able to build," says Moosmann.

Killer T cells from the toolbox

Specifically, the scientists investigated which structures of the virus preferentially attack the killer T cells. The T cells are part of the natural cellular immune system. If the body recognizes components of pathogens (antigens), the body sends these T-cells out to fight off foreign substances. An important type of T cells are the effector cells (CD8 + T cells), which kill infected or altered cells in the body. Once the infection is defeated, these effector cells can develop into so-called memory cells, which serve as a kind of memory to the immune system.

Vulnerabilities of the viruses unmasked

The research team discovers 16 structures of the virus where killer cells can dock and attack. In complex analyzes, the scientists reduced 300 potential targets to a circle of 20. Against these sites, the researchers were able to produce killer T cells, of which 16 could actually bind their target and destroy the infected cell. "Obviously, very different viral proteins can be used as targets for the immune system," explains Moosmann.

Imitation of natural processes

"In healthy people, we regularly observe T cells against these structures," says the physician. After heavy surgery such as transplants, such killer cells could keep the virus at bay. Currently, this is being reviewed in a larger number of patients.

Prevent an outbreak with killer T cells

In the long term, Andreas Moosmann and his team want to harness this knowledge for new treatments. "An outbreak of the virus could possibly be prevented by administering HHV-6-specific killer T cells to patients," concludes the expert. However, there is still a good deal of work ahead of the researchers. Until then, the classic home remedy for herpes must probably help. (Vb)