Helping the Immune System Find Hidden Epstein-Barr Virus in B-cells
Exploiting Metabolism to Uncloak Epstein-Barr Virus Immunogens in Latently Infected B-cells
This project explores how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) stays hidden in immune cells and seeks ways to make it visible so the body's defenses can find it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126611 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects most adults and can lead to serious conditions, including certain cancers like Burkitt lymphoma, by hiding within our immune B-cells. This research aims to understand how EBV uses its internal processes, like metabolism and genetic controls, to remain invisible to the body's natural defenses. By uncovering these hiding strategies, we hope to find new ways to make the virus-infected cells detectable. The ultimate goal is to empower your immune system to recognize and eliminate these hidden EBV-infected cells, potentially preventing or treating related diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, particularly those with conditions like Burkitt lymphoma, oral hairy leukoplakia, or post-transplant lymphoma, who are 21 years or older.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are not related to Epstein-Barr virus infection or its associated cancers would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help the immune system fight EBV-related infections and cancers more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: While previous work has explored EBV latency, this approach of targeting viral metabolism to uncloak hidden antigens represents a novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Tufts University Boston — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Rui — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Guo, Rui
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.