How a nerve-cell protein (ATRX) helps keep herpes simplex virus asleep
The role of ATRX in both promoting the establishment of HSV latency and restricting reactivation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11330285
Researchers are looking at whether the neuron protein ATRX helps keep herpes simplex virus dormant to reduce painful and dangerous reactivations.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11330285 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a protein called ATRX that is abundant in neurons and appears to lock the herpes simplex virus (HSV) genome into a quiet state. Scientists will use neuron cells and animal models to see how ATRX binds the viral DNA and promotes repressive markers like H3K9me3 that keep the virus hidden. They will test what happens to viral reactivation when ATRX function is reduced or when cells experience stress. The team aims to connect these basic findings to potential ways of preventing outbreaks and rare complications such as encephalitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who carry latent HSV (oral or genital) and who experience recurrent reactivations or who are at risk for neurologic complications would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without HSV infection or whose reactivations are driven by causes unrelated to ATRX are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new approaches that stop HSV from reactivating, lowering recurrent sores and rare brain infections.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have already shown ATRX associates with latent HSV genomes and limits viral gene expression, but translating that knowledge into treatments is largely new and untested.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CLIFFE, ANNA RUTH — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: CLIFFE, ANNA RUTH
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.