Genetic causes of severe herpes brain infection
Inborn errors of immunity underlying herpes simplex encephalitis
Looking for inherited immune problems and antibodies that explain why some children and adults develop life‑threatening herpes infections of the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297543 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers collect blood and DNA from people who had herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‑1) encephalitis and their families to look for genetic changes and immune factors that allow the virus to damage the brain. They test for neutralizing autoantibodies, sequence genes across the genome, and use lab studies to see how identified changes affect brain cell antiviral defenses. The team builds on prior discoveries of specific gene defects and aims to find new causes that explain many currently unexplained cases. Their findings help guide genetic testing, counseling, and ideas for targeted therapies to reduce long‑term brain injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People of any age who have had HSV‑1 encephalitis (especially early‑onset, unexplained, recurrent, or family‑cluster cases) or close relatives of such patients are the best candidates.
Not a fit: People with routine skin or mouth herpes infections, or brain infections clearly caused by other non‑genetic factors, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could enable genetic or immune testing to diagnose risk earlier and point to tailored treatments that prevent or lessen brain damage from herpes encephalitis.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies by this team have already found multiple genetic defects and immune markers causing HSE, so the approach has proven productive though many cases remain unexplained.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Rockefeller University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Casanova, Jean-Laurent — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Casanova, Jean-Laurent
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 below.