Circadian clock proteins BMAL1 and CLOCK regulate HSV-1 entry into nerve cells through NECTIN-1.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a double-stranded DNA virus that establishes lifelong latency and can cause fatal herpes encephalitis. This study aimed to identify key clock genes regulating HSV-1 infection and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Transcriptomic analyses of the brainstem and hippocampus in mice were conducted to identify clock genes potentially involved in HSV-1 regulation. A serum shock cell model was employed to assess the impact of temporal variations in NECTIN-1 expression on HSV-1 infection. Luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were used to investigate the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.

Results

NECTIN-1, a primary receptor mediating HSV-1 entry into neurons, exhibited rhythmic ex

SUBMITTER: Tang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12535038 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature