A research group led by Dr. Maria Nagel has identified neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) antagonists as a novel antiviral drug to prevent the spread of varicella zoster virus (the herpesvirus underlying chickenpox and shingles). Postherpetic neuralgia and myelitis are common complications of herpes zoster infection resulting from the reactivation of the virus. In immunocompromised individuals, myelopathy can be progressive and fatal with virus infection of the spinal cord, however the mechanisms are poorly understood and difficult to study. Preclinical data indicates neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists may be effective in decreasing or inhibiting infection and symptoms associated with varicella zoster virus and other herpesviridae. This novel treatment strategy may provide a much-needed alternative/adjuvant to treatment of recurrent or disseminated varicella zoster virus infections.
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