Cellular processes kick the immune system into gear
Those nasty growths that inhabit the corner of our mouths may soon be banished for good. Researchers at Université de Montréal have identified a new way for our immune system to combat cold sores, which occur when cells become infected with herpes: fight fire with fire. “The nuclear membrane of an infected cell can unmask Type 1 herpes simplex and stimulate the immune system to disintegrate the virus,” explains one scientist. The team plans on further studies examining how cellular processes may help battle other diseases. Ideally, the researchers say, this could be a catalyst for therapies to treat much worse illnesses, including HIV.