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Herpesvirus infection alters mitochondrial structure and function in the host cell
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä have discovered that herpesvirus infection alters the structure and normal function of mitochondria in the host cell. These new findings will help to understand the interactions between the herpesvirus and host cells. The knowledge gained can be used to develop treatments for viral diseases.
Herpesviruses not only cause serious diseases, but are also promising candidates for oncolytic therapy. HSV-1 infection depends on the replication of nuclear DNA, the transcription machinery and the metabolism of the host cell's mitochondria. At the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä, Associate Professor Maija Vihinen-Ranta and her research group studied the temporal changes in mitochondria as HSV-1 infection progresses from the early to late stages.
New data on the interaction of herpesvirus and host cell
Recent studies show that infection results in significant transcriptional modification of genes encoding proteins involved in the mitochondrial network, such as the respiratory chain, apoptosis and mitochondrial structural organization. The results indicate significant changes in mitochondrial structure and function, including changes in mitochondrial morphology and distribution, thickening and shortening of the cristae, an increase in the number and area of contact sites between mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, as well as an increase in mitochondrial calcium ion content and proton leakage. - Our results show how the progression of infection shifts the balance from healthy to diseased cells and leads to profound disturbances in mitochondrial homeostasis. This may provide additional insights into the interactions between the herpesvirus and host cells, says Associate Professor Maija Vihinen-Ranta from the University of Jyväskylä. She continues that this knowledge can be used to develop treatments for viral diseases.
The results of the study are published on the page of the journal PLOS