At UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, one scientist's sleepless nights are driven by the mysteries of virus-host interactions. Researcher Yoshihiro Izumiya is delving into the complex world of herpesviruses. These viruses often lie dormant for years, then wake up to wreak havoc on their hosts, causing severe diseases and complications.
Herpesviruses are common pathogens with more than 100 known types. Eight primarily affect humans. These human herpesviruses (HHVs) include the sexually transmitted herpes simplex viruses (types 1 and 2), Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV).
While many people carry these viruses without knowing it, the infections can remain hidden for years before suddenly causing serious health issues. "Causing disease to the host is not a smart thing for pathogens. They draw attention to their presence and invoke a response from the host's immune system.
The smartest viruses just infect and don't induce host immune reactions," Izumiya said. Izumiya is a professor in the Department of Dermatology and serves as a staff research scientist at the cancer center . His lab studies virus-host interactions, focusing on how herpesviruses shift from dormant to active replication, often resulting in diseases.
Switching from dormant to active state of replication One line of research at Izumiya Lab relates to the Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus. This virus is known for its link to Kaposi's sarcoma, a skin cancer , and AIDS-related Castlema.
