How cells block the herpesvirus that causes Kaposi’s sarcoma
Restriction of KSHV by cellular RNA decay pathways
This project tests whether a cell’s natural RNA cleanup system stops the Kaposi’s sarcoma virus, which could help people with KSHV-related cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299545 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient’s view, researchers are studying how normal cellular machinery called nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) and related RNA quality-control pathways limit Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). They use lab-grown human lymphoma cells (including primary effusion lymphoma or PEL cells), molecular biology tools, and genetic approaches to turn parts of these pathways on or off and watch how the virus responds. The team measures viral replication, viral protein levels, and stress responses in cells to map how RNA decay and the unfolded protein response interact with KSHV. Findings will inform whether boosting these cell-intrinsic defenses might be a path toward new treatments for KSHV-linked cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Kaposi’s sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), or known KSHV infection—especially those with advanced HIV—are the populations most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without KSHV infection or with cancers unrelated to KSHV are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets or strategies to strengthen cells’ own defenses against KSHV, potentially improving prevention or treatment of Kaposi’s sarcoma and KSHV-associated lymphomas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown RNA decay pathways can limit some viruses and the investigators recently reported that NMD restricts KSHV in lymphoma cells, so this work builds on early, promising lab findings while exploring new mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karijolich, John — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Karijolich, John
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.