Herpes Virus Rapidly Alters Human DNA, but a Single Enzyme Can Halt It
A study reveals that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can rapidly reshape human DNA within an hour of infection by altering the 3D genome structure, which helps the virus replicate. Blocking the host enzyme TOP1 can prevent this DNA reorganization, offering a potential target for new treatments against HSV-1, which infects a large portion of the population and remains in the body for life.