THE ROLE OF NERVE GROWTH-FACTOR IN MODULATING HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS REACTIVATION IN-VIVO

The role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the modulation of herpes simp lex virus (HSV) latency and reactivation was investigated in a mouse m odel. To determine whether NGF depletion would reactivate latent virus , concentrated anti-NGF serum antibodies were administered intraperito neally to latently infected mice for 9 consecutive days. To determine whether NGF given prophylactically could suppress UV-B-induced viral r eactivation, mice were irradiated with UV-B while being treated with N GF using diverse regimes over a 4-day period. Following intraperitonea l administration of anti-NGF antibodies, viral shedding was detected i n a small number (10%) of mice, but it was not possible to pharmacolog ically suppress UV-B-induced viral reactivation with NGF. It would app ear, therefore, that HSV latency in neurons innervating the cornea can be sustained and disrupted by physiological factors independent of NG F levels.