Finding new ways to stop lymphoma in people with HIV and Epstein-Barr virus

Exposing synthetic lethal vulnerabilities in EBV-positive AIDS-NHL through novel replication dependency factors

NIH-funded research University of Florida · NIH-11161177

This project looks for new weaknesses in lymphomas linked to HIV and the Epstein-Barr virus to help develop better treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11161177 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Lymphomas caused by viruses are a serious problem for people living with HIV, especially those linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While current treatments have helped, we still need better options for these specific virus-related lymphomas. This project aims to understand how EBV-infected cancer cells manage to grow and multiply despite facing stress during their DNA copying process. By identifying a new protein, ZC3H18, that EBV uses to help cancer cells grow, we hope to find new ways to stop these lymphomas. Our goal is to discover new targets that can specifically kill these cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is focused on understanding the biology of lymphomas in individuals with HIV and Epstein-Barr virus, and future clinical applications would target these specific patient populations.

Not a fit: Patients whose lymphomas are not associated with HIV or Epstein-Barr virus may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more effective treatments specifically targeting lymphomas in people with HIV that are caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.

How similar studies have performed: This project identifies a novel protein, ZC3H18, not previously linked to DNA replication in this context, suggesting a novel and untested approach for targeting these lymphomas.

Where this research is happening

Gainesville, 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.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeAcquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency SyndromeAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.