How adenoviruses cause severe eye infections
Novel Mechanisms in Adenoviral Ocular Pathogenesis
Researchers are looking at how certain adenoviruses damage the cornea and cause severe conjunctivitis to help people with viral eye infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127451 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how certain human adenoviruses cause severe eye infections, focusing on the steps the virus uses to enter and move inside corneal cells. Researchers study viral structural proteins, cell signaling pathways, and a newly discovered inflammatory molecule produced by infected corneal epithelial cells. Work is done in lab models using human corneal cells, viral samples, and molecular techniques to track viral trafficking and inflammatory responses. Findings aim to identify targets that could be blocked to reduce inflammation, corneal scarring, and persistent vision problems after infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have or recently recovered from adenoviral conjunctivitis (especially epidemic keratoconjunctivitis) would be the most relevant candidates for sample donation or enrollment in future related trials.
Not a fit: Patients with allergic or bacterial conjunctivitis, chronic noninfectious eye diseases, or unrelated health conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments or preventive strategies that reduce inflammation, corneal scarring, and long-term vision problems after adenoviral eye infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have mapped many adenovirus entry pathways and inflammatory responses, but translating these mechanistic findings into approved treatments for EKC remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajaiya, Jaya — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rajaiya, Jaya
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.