Japanese Researchers Link 70% of Long COVID Cases to SITH-1 Protein
Updated
Updated · NHK WORLD · Jul 14
Japanese Researchers Link 70% of Long COVID Cases to SITH-1 Protein
1 articles · Updated · NHK WORLD · Jul 14
Summary
More than 150 Japanese patients treated for lingering COVID-19 symptoms were analyzed, and about 70% had the SITH-1 protein in their blood.
The team said coronavirus infection can reactivate a dormant herpes virus in the body, triggering SITH-1 production and driving symptoms such as fatigue, depression and hair loss.
Mouse tests backed the mechanism: raising SITH-1 levels reduced brain function through neurotransmitter deficiencies and produced fatigue- and depression-like symptoms.
WHO estimates roughly 6% of COVID-19 patients develop prolonged symptoms, and the researchers said the finding could open a path to therapies that target the underlying cause.
With research citing reactivated viruses and autoimmune attacks, what is the true biological cause of long COVID's debilitating brain fog?
Since over half the population has dormant herpes, are they at a higher risk for developing severe long COVID after infection?
Could an existing dementia drug be the surprising cure for long COVID symptoms caused by a reactivated herpes virus?
SITH-1 Protein and HHV-6B Reactivation Identified as Key Drivers of Fatigue and Depression in Long COVID—June 2026 Research Update
Overview
Long COVID, a major global health issue after SARS-CoV-2 infection, is marked by persistent symptoms like fatigue and depression. Recent research has revealed that reactivation of latent Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), which remains dormant in the body after causing roseola in infants, plays a key role in these symptoms. When HHV-6 reactivates, especially in the brain’s olfactory bulb, it can trigger biological changes linked to depression. This breakthrough connects the dots between viral reactivation and the ongoing neurological and psychological problems seen in Long COVID, offering new hope for targeted diagnosis and treatment.