Developing a gene therapy for diseases caused by KSHV

Characterization of KSHV-Associated Disease Specific Gene Therapy

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11113680

This study is testing a new gene therapy that uses a special virus to help treat cancers linked to a virus called KSHV, aiming to deliver helpful genes directly to the tumor cells while also using an antiviral drug to slow down the cancer's growth.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11113680 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a gene therapy using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to target diseases caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). The therapy aims to selectively deliver therapeutic genes to tumor cells that express the KSHV latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA), which is involved in tumor development. By utilizing the interaction between KSHV's genetic elements and LANA, the researchers hope to improve treatment outcomes for patients with KSHV-related malignancies. The approach includes using a specific antiviral drug to control tumor progression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with KSHV-related malignancies, such as Kaposi's sarcoma or primary effusion lymphoma.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have KSHV-related diseases or those with other unrelated malignancies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for patients suffering from KSHV-associated cancers.

How similar studies have performed: While gene therapy approaches for viral-associated cancers are being explored, this specific application using AAV vectors for KSHV-related diseases is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

DAVIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.