Recent studies may have seen a form of immune cell that can be found in the skin that prevents painful outbreak blisters and sores. The experts are almost certain that this is the key behind finding the much-awaited herpes vaccine. This comes as no surprise, since at least 24 million people in the United States of America are troubled by genital herpes.
For the study, skin samples were taken from people who had contracted the herpes simplex virus 2. Under a microscope of high power, the experts made use of fluorescent stains to differentiate the various immune cells of the skin. According to them, the most intriguing immune cells were the CD8 killer T-cells, which provide a secondary defence. Apparently, the T-cells destroyed cells that were infected by virus, as soon as the infection took place. Needless to say, these prevented the copies of the virus.
At some point, experts were certain that these CD8 T-cells were found at different locations of the body. However, they now know that these stay in place, always watchful and alert. To understand these cells better, the researchers picked out 5 of them, aiming to tear them apart and find the protein they were forming. The discovery was a type of protein that pierced membranes to destroy cells, known as perforin. It even had the ability to make other proteins to beckon backup cells to pack a punch during the attack. Perforin was not made when there was no active virus in the skin.
Dr. Lawrence Corey of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center exclaimed that they have shown a set of special group of cells. Not only does the CD8 killer T-cells happen to have a memory, they also stay in the skin for long time spans. Dr. Lawrence also mentioned that these cells actually keep the herpes virus in check! He insists that experts study them, figure out what helps them live longer and work better. Also, he wants to figure out how to make them increase in numbers. According to him, all these will help the scientists prepare the perfect, effective vaccine for herpes.
As most of us know, there is no permanent cure for herpes, which is why a vaccine will be a miracle. Aside from abstaining from having any form of sexual contact, there is no certain way to prevent a person from contracting herpes. Moreover, condoms help, but only to a certain extent. Since the entire groin region is not covered, there remains a risk of spreading the herpes infection to others during sexual intercourse. Therefore, if the CD8 killer T-cells is the answer to herpes, then experts must study them and find that vaccine before the number of herpes patients increase any further.
Since there is no direct, skin-to-skin contact possible, latex condoms also prevent the transfer of the herpes virus. Admittedly, people were not subjected to experiments to understand the exact way that condoms help with keeping herpes at bay. However, countless questionnaires and polls that were taken over the course of the last decade or two showed that condoms definitely helped the matter; if a man has the herpes 2 virus, wearing a condom will assure a lower risk of him transmitting it to their partner, assuming they are both monogamous.
Another common emotion among herpes patients is fear. This may come in various forms: some people may be scared of their loved ones finding out about their condition, others may be petrified of socializing any more, some may even be horrified thinking that they cannot have sexual relationships with people as much as they used to before. Such individuals need to understand that they are not alone. Also, it will get better with time and they will find happiness soon.
Type 1 or oral herpes occurs due to a normal cold, often passed on when engaging in oral sex. Type 2 or genital herpes occurs due to any sexual contact, acting upon the genital regions. If you happen to share towels, cutlery, and similar materials, there is a chance of you spreading the virus to others.