New research reveals that during infection, the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) manipulates the human genome by restructuring the host DNA and seizing essential transcription enzymes. The virus reorganizes chromatin and redirects transcriptional resources toward its own gene expression, leading to extensive alterations in the nuclear architecture. The study uncovers insights into how HSV-1 reshapes the host genome and may pave the way for developing antiviral strategies.

Source: nature communications