Herpesvirus microRNAs that affect EWSR1 in B cells and lymphoma
Gammaherpesvirus miRNA suppression of EWSR1 in GC B cell infection and lymphomagenesis
This work looks at how tiny virus-made RNAs change a human protein called EWSR1 in germinal center B cells to better understand how Epstein–Barr and related herpesviruses can lead to B-cell lymphomas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140387 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are using a mouse model related to the human viruses (MHV68) and laboratory cell studies to see how viral microRNAs turn down the host protein EWSR1 in germinal center B cells. They follow infected B cells as they enter and move through germinal centers, then track whether these changes help the virus hide long-term or promote lymphoma-like growth. The team combines genetic tools, molecular assays, and disease models to link the microRNA effect to B cell behavior and cancer development. Findings aim to reveal steps the virus uses to drive lymphomas so future treatments might block those steps.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by EBV- or KSHV-associated B-cell lymphomas, or people with weakened immune systems (for example those living with HIV) who are at higher risk for these virus-linked cancers, are the groups most likely to benefit from findings and future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with non-viral or unrelated cancers and conditions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent or treat herpesvirus-associated B-cell lymphomas.
How similar studies have performed: Related mouse-virus studies have already shown that viral microRNAs can repress EWSR1 and promote latent B cell infection, but applying these findings to human lymphoma treatment is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tibbetts, Scott a. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Tibbetts, Scott a.
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.