Developing new methods to engineer and study viruses in the lab
Official title: Virus, Vector and Cell Culture Core
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10914927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how certain viruses, like Epstein-Barr and Kaposi Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus, work and how we might use that knowledge to develop better treatments for patients, especially through new gene therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $280,416 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA281867-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914927 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals affected by diseases related to EBV or KSHV, such as certain lymphomas or other herpesvirus-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to EBV or KSHV may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating and manipulating viruses, specifically the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Kaposi Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV), to better understand their biology and potential treatments. The project involves designing recombinant viruses, producing viral vectors, and establishing 3D organoid cultures to study infections in a controlled environment. Patients may benefit from advancements in gene therapy and targeted treatments that arise from this innovative approach to viral research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for diseases caused by EBV and KSHV, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using similar viral engineering techniques to develop targeted therapies, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robertson, Erle S. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Robertson, Erle S.
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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.