How cytomegalovirus stays dormant and later becomes active
Molecular Aspects of Cytomegalovirus Latency
Researchers are looking at small viral molecules that help cytomegalovirus hide or wake up, to help people with CMV infections or those at risk of reactivation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284026 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, this project focuses on tiny viral RNAs (miRNAs) and how they change cell signaling to let human cytomegalovirus (CMV) go quiet or start replicating again. Scientists examine interactions with cell pathways such as AKT and AP-1 and sequences in the virus called 3' untranslated regions to see where these miRNAs act. Most work is done in lab-grown human cells and viral samples to map the molecular steps that control latency and reactivation. The goal is to build knowledge that could guide future tests or treatments for people affected by CMV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related future work would be people with prior CMV infection (CMV antibody positive) or those at high risk of reactivation, such as transplant recipients or people with weakened immune systems.
Not a fit: People without prior CMV infection or whose health problems are unrelated to CMV are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to prevent CMV from reactivating or to treatments that stop the virus from causing illness in vulnerable people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown viral miRNAs can influence latency in model systems, but translating those findings into patient treatments remains early and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hancock, Meaghan H — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Hancock, Meaghan H
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.