The Influence of Stress Factors on the Reactivation of Latent Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in Infected Mice

Abstract

This study shows that the influence of different stress factors impacts the reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) specifically in the trigeminal ganglion of infected mice. Different stress factors including hyperthermia, hypothermia, fatigue, and immunosuppression were exerted on mice infected with HSV-1. These viral antigens were then detected in the trigeminal ganglion region of infected mice under the influence of each stress factor, with hyperthermia having the most influence on reactivation. Interestingly, an increase in IL-6 was also detected in mice subjected to hyperthermia. These studies therefore suggest that stress can induce the reactivation of latent HSV-1, possibly through the induction of IL-6, in the trigeminal ganglion region of infected mice. This reveals a new insight on the pathogenesis of relapse infection of HSV-1.