Blocking the viral enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase restores natural immunity in mice brains against herpes (IMAGE)

The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo

Blocking the viral enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase restores natural immunity in mice brains against herpes

Caption

Inhibiting the herpes simplex virus type 1 viral enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase reactivates the natural defense protein apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-1 (APOBEC1) in the mouse brain, which induces mutations to disable the virus. This renewed immune response significantly reduces viral growth, preventing fatal herpes encephalitis in mice.

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Professor Yasushi Kawaguchi, The University of Tokyo, Japan

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