How an EBV protein keeps cancer-driving IgM signals active in EBV-positive B-cell lymphomas
Role of Epstein-Barr virus LMP2A protein in maintaining oncogenic IgM signaling in EBV+ B cell lymphomas
Researchers are testing whether an Epstein-Barr virus protein called LMP2A keeps harmful IgM signaling active in EBV-positive B-cell lymphomas, which could point to new treatments for people with these cancers, including those living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141096 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on EBV-positive B-cell lymphomas and a viral protein called LMP2A that may force cancer cells to keep a growth-promoting IgM form of the B cell receptor. Scientists compare EBV-transformed lymphoblastoid cells that express LMP2A with mutant EBV cells that lack LMP2A to see how they rely on signaling proteins such as BLNK and BTK. They test whether cells dependent on LMP2A-driven signaling are sensitive to drugs that block this pathway. The work uses laboratory models of patient-derived tumor cells to identify potential drug targets that could move into clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with EBV-positive B-cell lymphomas—such as EBV-positive DLBCL, Hodgkin, or Burkitt lymphoma—especially those living with HIV, would be the most relevant candidates for related trials or therapies.
Not a fit: Patients whose lymphomas are EBV-negative or whose tumors do not express the LMP2A protein are unlikely to benefit from therapies aimed at this specific viral-driven pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targeted approaches (for example, drugs that block BTK or related signaling) to better treat EBV-positive B-cell lymphomas and reduce illness in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that block B-cell signaling (like BTK inhibitors) have shown benefit in other B-cell cancers, but applying this approach specifically to LMP2A-driven, EBV-positive lymphomas is a novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johannsen, Eric C. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Johannsen, Eric C.
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.