Exploiting Lipid Metabolism By Hsv-1: A Challenge To Rethink New Therapies For Alzheimer’s Disease

DIPC Seminars

Speaker: Valentina Dell'Oste
Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin
When: 2025/03/13
12:30
Place: DIPC Josebe Olarra Seminar Room
Host: Luca Salassa
Add to calendar: iCal

Subscribe to Newsletter

Exploiting Lipid Metabolism By Hsv-1: A Challenge To Rethink New Therapies For Alzheimer’s Disease

Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) establishes a life-long latent infection and can enter the brain via retrograde axonal transport. Recurrent reactivation of HSV-1 may lead to neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), although the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated yet. Lipids constitute the bulk of the brain dry mass, and alteration of lipid metabolism is a key component in AD. Considering that the mechanisms for the remodelling of metabolism by HSV-1 are still poorly understood, we aim to dissect the host metabolic pathways modulated by infection in a neuronal-like cell line to identify pathways that might be targeted to prevent AD. Specifically, we found an increase in both de novo synthesis and lipid storage following HSV-1 infection. In addition, anti-AD compounds targeting lipid metabolism (e.g., CMS121, C75) impaired HSV-1 infectivity. Overall, our data unveil new aspects of HSV-1-AD interplay and uncover new potential targets to rethink new possible therapies.