Cultured brain receives Alzheimer’s from herpes virus

Researchers have seen, among other things, how the cultured mini-brain loses nerve cells when infected with cold sores. The left image shows healthy brain tissue, the right infected.Photo: Dana M. Cairns / TT

For several years now, more and more have been pointing out that there is a link between the cold sore virus and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the causal link is unclear. The researchers have referred to population studies and simple cell cultures, or genetically altered animal models. But now, a group of American scientists has investigated how the virus affects a three-dimensional “mini brain”, which is cultivated by stem cells. In this way, they can see how the virus affects healthy brain tissue, which strengthens suspicions.