According to multiple studies, 9 out of 10 people carry the gene for
herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The only question was, why is it that if 90 percent of people carry the gene, only 20 percent of the population shows symptoms? Recently, researchers from the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland, did a study taking blood samples from 20 people with cold sores. When looking at their genes, the blood work showed that those with the cold sores had a mutation of the gene
IL28B. The researchers discovered that people who do not produce cold sores, those without the mutation, are able to produce the protein that keeps the virus inactive. Therefore, those who do produce cold sores, who have the mutated IL28B gene, is not able to produce that protein and are then unable to have their immune system keep the virus under control. Researchers now hope to find a way in which we can utilize this protein as a possible treatment for other infections caused by the HSV-1.
I found this to be very interesting, seeing as that my mom and my aunt both produce cold sores; therefore, they would have the IL28B mutation. This then means, that even though I, myself, do not produce cold sores, I could still carry the HSV-1 gene. Hopefully, researchers can find a way, just like they did for insulin and diabetes, to use the IL28B protein as a cure for HSV-1 and its related viruses.
Even though the cold sore is only shown in 20% of people affected by the virus, i think thats a pretty big amount for a mutated gene. This is a rare case in which a mutated gene is shown in a decent amount of the population. Even though its not the majority, to think that 20% of the 90% of people affected by it show it is significant. I wonder why that is, it could potentially be from the large pool of people who have the virus.
ReplyDeleteThat is so scary to know that only 20% of those whose who carry the gene are the ones who have symptoms. This means that most people don't even know they are at risk. Hopefully researchers find a way to help people who have cold sores or carry the gene to help their immune system.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to think that 20% of the population with cold sores show the symptoms. It's also interesting to think that a gene that causes cold sores is the reason why most people cannot produce an immunity to the HSV-1 virus. It will be interesting to see what kinds of solutions researchers make as a cure for the HSV-1 gene.
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