How cytomegalovirus wakes up in monocytes and macrophages
HCMV regulation of monocyte/macrophage host cell signaling in viral reactivation
['FUNDING_P01'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11171786
Researchers will find out how CMV changes blood stem cells and immune cells so the virus can wake up again in people who have had bone marrow or organ transplants.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171786 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is studying how CMV hides in CD34+ blood stem cells and how it later uses signals in monocytes to become active again. They will examine specific viral genes (like UL135, US28, UL7/8) and viral microRNAs that appear to help reactivation. The researchers use lab-grown human blood cells and engineered viruses that lack certain genes to see which molecular signals are needed for the virus to switch from latent to active. The goal is to map the signaling steps that let latent CMV reactivate into an infection that can harm transplant patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who have received hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplants and are at risk for CMV reactivation.
Not a fit: People without past CMV infection or who are not at risk of reactivation (for example, otherwise healthy individuals) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent CMV reactivation after transplant and reduce related illness and death.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory work has identified viral genes and some effects on blood cells, but translating those findings into proven ways to stop reactivation in patients remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
PORTLAND, UNITED STATES
- OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY — PORTLAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YUROCHKO, ANDREW D — OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: YUROCHKO, ANDREW D
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.
Conditions: CMV infection