Abstract
Human herpesvirus (HHV-) 6 is capable of establishing a lifelong latent infection of their host, is reactivated frequently. We are studying the molecular mechanism of latency and pathogenesis of HHV-6, and find SITH-1 a novel latent protein of HHV-6 which associate with mood disorders. Additionally we are trying to apply HHV-6 and HHV-7 to the tools for studying the mechanism of fatigue and to the viral vector for gene therapy. Fatigue is an indispensable bio-alarm to avoid the exhaustive state caused by severe stresses and overwork, which may also induce a variety of diseases. We have investigated the molecular mechanism of HHV-6 and HHV-7 reactivation that was known to be stimulated by fatigue, and identified the molecule that can induce viral reactivation during fatigue. Using the knowledge of herpesvirus reactivation, we have developed a method for measuring accumulation of fatigue by determining the amount of a HHV-6 and HHV-7, which is reactivated, and released into saliva.
