Scientists at Fred Hutch Cancer Center have made exciting progress toward a potential herpes cure using gene editing. In lab studies with mice, researchers eliminated up to 97% of the virus and significantly reduced its ability to spread.
What Is Herpes?
Herpes is a lifelong virus that affects billions of people worldwide. There are two main types:
- HSV-1: Mostly causes oral herpes (cold sores around the mouth).
- HSV-2: Usually causes genital herpes.
According to the World Health Organization, about 3.7 billion people have HSV-1, while 491 million have HSV-2. Current treatments can manage symptoms but don’t eliminate the virus from the body.
How Does Gene Therapy Work?
Gene therapy aims to treat or prevent disease by modifying genes – though in this case, scientists are targeting the virus’s genes, not human DNA.
Here’s how the experimental treatment works:
- Scientists design special molecules that seek out and cut the herpes virus’s DNA.
- These molecules are delivered using “vectors” – modified viruses that act as carriers for the gene-editing tools.
- The vectors travel through the bloodstream to locate the herpes virus, which hides in nerve cells.
- The gene-editing tools work like molecular scissors, cutting the virus’s DNA in two places.
- Once cut, the virus can’t repair itself.
- The body’s immune system recognizes the damaged virus DNA as foreign and removes it.
Promising Results
Dr. Keith Jerome and Dr. Martine Aubert at Fred Hutch reported impressive results:
- Eliminated 90% of HSV-1 in facial infections.
- Eliminated 97% of HSV-1 in genital infections.
- Reduced virus shedding, lowering the risk of transmission.
- Effects improved over time, with reductions seen within a month.
The researchers also simplified the process. Their earlier method required three vectors and two enzymes to cut the virus DNA. The new version uses just one vector and one enzyme, making it safer and easier to develop.
Why This Matters
“Herpes is tricky – it hides in nerve cells and reactivates, causing painful outbreaks,” said Dr. Jerome. “Our goal is to eliminate the infection so people no longer have to live with the uncertainty of flare-ups or the fear of spreading it to others.”
- About 3.7 billion people (67% of people under age 50) have HSV-1, which mainly causes oral herpes
- About 491 million people aged 15-49 (13%) have HSV-2, which mainly causes genital herpes
What’s Next?
While these results are groundbreaking, more work is needed before human trials can begin. The next steps include:
- Adapting the technology to target HSV-2 infections.
- Partnering with organizations to prepare for clinical trials.
- Working with federal regulators to ensure safety.
This research is funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Caladan Foundation, and thousands of individual donors. The study was published on May 13, 2024, in Nature Communications.
What This Means for People Living with Herpes
For millions living with herpes, this herpes cure research represents real hope.
Right now, managing herpes means lifelong antiviral medication to control outbreaks for some – but the virus never truly goes away. Many live with the stress of unexpected flare-ups and the fear of passing the infection to partners.
If this gene therapy succeeds and becomes available for humans, it could change everything. Instead of managing symptoms, a one-time treatment could:
- Remove most or all of the virus from the body.
- Prevent future outbreaks.
- Reduce or eliminate the risk of transmission.
- Lift the emotional burden and stigma of herpes.
- Prevent complications like HIV risk and potential links to dementia.
Live Your Life Now
While this research is exciting, a cure is still years away if at all. That doesn’t mean your life has to be put on hold.
Herpes doesn’t define you. It doesn’t stop you from building strong connections, finding love, or pursuing happiness. Millions of people live full, confident lives with herpes – and so can you. Support networks like HWerks, education, and open conversations are helping to move past the stigma and focus on what really matters: living life on your terms.
If a cure were found today, how would your life be different? What would you do that you feel you can’t do now? Take those answers and start doing them. You don’t have to wait to feel free, be in a relationship, or take the next step forward with confidence.
Of course, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s finding a community that understands, accessing resources, or just having a space where you can be yourself – we’re in this together. A cure may be on the horizon, but your life is happening now. Don’t hold back living it.
Read the full Article on the Fred Hutch Website:
Herpes cure with gene editing makes progress in laboratory studies
Until next time, stay awesome!
-Team HWerks
HWerks is more than just a website – it’s a vibrant, supportive community dedicated to empowering individuals living with herpes. We’re committed to breaking down stigma, providing reliable resources, and advancing meaningful connections. Whether you’re seeking support or simply want to make new friends who understand your journey, HWerks is your place. Join Us!
