How CMV builds and releases new virus particles inside infected cells
Analysis of the mechanism of HCMV cytoplasmic envelopment
This project looks at how parts of human cytomegalovirus help the virus form and leave cells, aiming to help people who can get severe CMV illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257264 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Penn State Hershey are studying two viral proteins called UL88 and UL71 that help CMV gather internal components and wrap itself in host membranes. They will use lab-grown cells and a new fluorescence-based imaging approach to watch how the virus assembles and buds from the cell. The team will also test whether cellular components like EEA1+ endosomes and the membrane scission protein DNM1 help the virus complete envelopment. Understanding these steps could point to targets for future antiviral drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; clinically, those most likely to benefit from future therapies are newborns, transplant recipients, and people with weakened immune systems who are at risk for severe CMV.
Not a fit: People with mild or asymptomatic CMV infection and otherwise healthy individuals are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific steps in CMV assembly that new treatments or antivirals might block to prevent severe infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that UL88 and UL71 affect virion composition and fitness, but the detailed molecular steps of tegument acquisition and envelopment remain incompletely described.
Where this research is happening
Hershey, United States
- Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr — Hershey, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Norbury, Christopher C — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Norbury, Christopher 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.