How cytomegalovirus hides in and wakes up from blood stem cells
Human Cytomegalovirus dysregulation of host hematopoietic progenitor cell signaling pathways to modulate latency and reactivation
This work looks at how cytomegalovirus stays hidden in blood-forming stem cells and what triggers it to reactivate in people who have had or may need a stem cell transplant.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171733 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers work with blood and bone marrow samples from patients to study CD34+ blood stem cells and immune cells, mapping how viral proteins and microRNAs change cell signaling. They focus on pathways such as EGFR, AKT, and STAT that help the virus remain latent or become active. The team uses molecular assays, cell culture models, and bioinformatics to trace these interactions and link them to myelosuppression and viral reactivation. The goal is to reveal specific viral-host interactions that could become targets to prevent CMV from reactivating after transplant.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have received or are scheduled to receive hematopoietic stem cell transplants, especially those with a history of CMV infection or low blood counts.
Not a fit: People without CMV infection or those with CMV disease unrelated to stem cell transplantation are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to ways to prevent or reduce CMV reactivation and related complications in stem cell transplant patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory work has identified viral proteins and microRNAs that influence latency, but translating those findings into treatments for transplant patients remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Streblow, Daniel N — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Streblow, Daniel N
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.