Creating new treatments targeting a cancer-causing virus protein
Official title: Development of O’PROTACs-based degraders targeting an oncogenic viral protein
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11084202 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new treatments that aim to help people with certain cancers linked to a virus, especially those with weakened immune systems like HIV, by targeting a specific protein made by the virus to help get rid of cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | November 15, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $185,513 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI186566-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084202 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised individuals, particularly those living with HIV or organ transplant recipients who are at risk for KSHV-related cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have KSHV-related malignancies or are not immunocompromised may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative treatments that specifically target a protein produced by the Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV), which is linked to certain cancers in immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV. The approach involves designing O’PROTAC-based degraders that can selectively eliminate cancer cells expressing this viral protein. By testing these treatments in laboratory settings, the researchers aim to find effective ways to improve outcomes for patients suffering from KSHV-related malignancies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for patients with cancers associated with KSHV.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting viral proteins in cancer treatment is a novel approach, there have been successful precedents in similar strategies for other oncogenic viruses.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dai, Lu — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Dai, Lu
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.