New study provides evidence a little-studied virus called HPgV may be present in brains of people with Parkinson’s disease and linked to disruptions in immune function and brain pathology. The virus was detected in brain tissue from patients with Parkinson’s disease but not in control samples. | AI News Digest
A new study has identified the presence of human pegivirus (HPgV) in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), suggesting a potential link between the virus and the disease's pathology. Researchers found HPgV in 50% of PD brain samples, while all control samples were negative. The study indicates that HPgV may disrupt immune function and contribute to neurodegeneration, as patients with the virus exhibited more advanced neuropathology. Additionally, the research highlights the complex interplay between viral infections and immune responses in PD, particularly noting differences based on genetic backgrounds. These findings could pave the way for further investigations into the role of viral infections in neurodegenerative diseases.
