How cytomegalovirus uses a protein to stay hidden and then reactivate
HCMV US28 regulation of host cell signaling in viral latency and reactivation
This project looks at how a viral protein called US28 changes immune cell signals to help cytomegalovirus stay dormant or wake up in people who receive bone marrow or organ transplants.
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-11171765 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would hear that researchers are focusing on a viral protein called US28 that affects signaling in blood stem cells and monocytes. They use human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells grown in the lab and humanized mouse models to see how host and viral chemokines influence latency and reactivation. The team compares different chemokine ligands, including viral UL146/UL147, to find which signals keep the virus dormant and which prompt reactivation. Results could guide ways to prevent CMV from reactivating after transplant or to target the signaling that triggers reactivation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people who have had or will receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants or solid organ transplants, or donors who can provide CD34+ progenitor cell samples.
Not a fit: People without cytomegalovirus exposure or those not undergoing transplant procedures are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent CMV reactivation and reduce graft failure or myelosuppression in transplant patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies and humanized mouse experiments already showed US28 is important for CMV latency and reactivation, but the specific roles of different chemokine ligands are still being worked out.
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.