Apolipoprotein E genotype influences vertical transmission of herpes simplex virus type 1 in a gender specific manner

Abstract

There is growing evidence that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), together with the apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) allele, contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the mechanism of their interaction remains uncertain. Here we show that the combination of inherited APOE genotype and vertical transmission of HSV-1 confers a differential risk of brain infection. These risk factors are known to be associated with AD. © 2007 The AuthorsJournal compilation © Blackwell Publishing Ltd/Anatomical Society of Great Britain and Ireland 2007.