How a virus affects B cell behavior in chronic infections
Official title: From friend to foe: proviral role of IRF-3 in chronic gammaherpesvirus infection
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11013375 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain protein helps viruses affect B cells during long-term infections, which could lead to better ways to prevent cancers related to these viruses, especially for people dealing with chronic infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,148 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI182596-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013375 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who are at risk for or have chronic gammaherpesvirus infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have gammaherpesvirus infections or related B cell lymphomas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, IRF-3, in how gammaherpesviruses manipulate B cells during chronic infections. By examining how these viruses use B cells to persist in the body, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to B cell lymphomas. The approach involves analyzing the interaction between the virus and B cells, particularly focusing on the germinal center B cells, which are crucial for the immune response. Understanding these processes could lead to new strategies for preventing virus-related cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for preventing or treating B cell lymphomas associated with gammaherpesvirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of IRF-3 in this context is being explored, similar research has shown promise in understanding viral manipulation of immune cells, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tarakanova, Vera L. — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Tarakanova, Vera L.
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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.