Approximately 90 percent of people are carrying the herpes simplex virus, but the virus spends most of its time in a dormant state which has proven difficult to research. Now, scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB have developed a 3D herpes infection model which they are now using to study the virus’ dormant state. The investigators claim their research will aid in the testing of future cold sore treatments by reducing the need for animal testing.
From the press release:
To date the skin models used for drug testing and to detect the virus have been very simple and unable to simulate the dormancy state of the virus. “We have integrated a neuronal cell line into the certified skin model of the IGB and are able to detect this latency stage for the first time.”
Research on active ingredients can profit from the 3D herpes infection model of the researchers from IGB, a model that also enables improved study of infection mechanisms. This procedure might also be used to test new medications for shingles, which is also caused by a variant strain of the herpes virus.
Full story: Goodbye cold sores…