SE Valley Times

Researchers from Arizona State University and Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, along with their collaborators, have uncovered a link between chronic gut infection by cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and Alzheimer's disease in certain individuals. This virus, part of the herpes family but not sexually transmitted, is usually acquired through exposure to bodily fluids.

The study suggests that HCMV may remain active in the gut for some people and could travel to the brain via the vagus nerve. Once there, it might alter the immune system and contribute to Alzheimer's-related changes. Dr. Ben Readhead stated, “We think we found a biologically unique subtype of Alzheimer’s that may affect 25% to 45% of people with this disease.”

The research indicates that microglia, the brain's immune cells, recognize HCMV in the brain. This interaction triggers CD83 gene expression and potentially contributes to Alzheimer's development. The team observed CD83(+) microglia more frequently in Alzheimer's patients' brains than those without the disease.

A separate study published earlier identified antibodies against HCMV in participants' intestines, prompting further investigation into intestinal and brain tissue for evidence of infection. The presence of HCMV was confirmed within these tissues and the vagus nerve.

Dr. Eric Reiman emphasized gratitude towards research participants and supporters: “We are extremely grateful...for the chance to advance this research.” The findings raise questions about whether antiviral medications could help treat Alzheimer's patients with chronic HCMV infections.

Currently, researchers are developing a blood test to identify individuals with active HCMV infections who might benefit from antiviral treatments. The study highlights how infections can impact neurodegeneration broadly.

This collaborative effort included ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center; Weill Cornell Medicine; Icahn School of Medicine; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School; The Translational Genomics Research Institute; Institute for Systems Biology; Serimmune Inc.; Rush University Medical Center; Banner Sun Health Research Institute; and Banner Alzheimer’s Institute.