Grant: Operating Grant

Cold sores are a recurring issue for a third of the population and are typically caused by a virus called Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus belongs to a large family of human pathogens associated with several additional clinical consequences (genital herpes, blindness, congenital diseases, mononucleosis, varicella, zona, encephalitis and some cancers). Unfortunately, while the propagation of the virus is treatable, these viruses persist forever in humans once contracted. Moreover, they can be reactivated under certain conditions and even people without symptoms can shed infectious viruses. Finally, drug resistance is becoming an issue, pinpointing the need for novel therapeutics. In an attempt to better understand how these viruses spread, our laboratory examines their intimate interactions with cells, the building blocks of our body. We focus on HSV-1, a virus that is present in nearly 90% of the population. More precisely, we study the mechanism by which the newly replicated virus is released and can thus infect neighboring cells and individuals. These findings should guide us towards novel therapeutic approaches not only against this virus but against the entire herpes family of viruses.