How a natural human RNA helps the body fight herpesvirus
Novel Role for Host Immunostimulatory RNA in Antiviral Immune Defense
This work looks at whether a specific human RNA helps the immune system detect and control herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173687 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are studying a tiny piece of our own RNA called RNA5SP141 to see how it alerts immune sensors (like RIG-I) when cells are infected with HSV-1. They will use lab experiments with cells, biochemical tests, and CRISPR gene editing to turn the RNA gene on or off and observe what happens. The team will also examine how infected cells send this RNA to others in exosomes and how that transfer affects antiviral signaling. Prior findings link low RNA5SP141 expression to severe HSV-1 brain infection, so the work includes looking at human disease-relevant samples and models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with past or current HSV-1 infection, especially those who have had severe HSV-1 encephalitis or who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without HSV-1 infection or with unrelated conditions are unlikely to see direct benefits from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to boost antiviral defenses or identify people at higher risk for severe HSV-1 disease.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies have recently shown RIG-I can detect HSV-1 and linked RNA5SP141 to antiviral responses, but translating that into treatments is still early and novel.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gack, Michaela Ulrike — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Gack, Michaela Ulrike
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.