How EBV and KSHV (gammaherpesviruses) affect human cells
Gammaherpesviral interactions with the host cell
Researchers are looking at how two cancer-linked herpes viruses, EBV and KSHV, change cell signals and immune responses to better understand virus-related cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126014 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project examines how the cancer-linked viruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) change signaling in human cells, focusing on adenosine-related pathways and immune control. Scientists will use laboratory cell models, analyses of virus-infected human tissues or samples, and molecular techniques to map how viral proteins alter cell behavior. The team will link those molecular changes to processes that drive cancer development, such as immune suppression and uncontrolled growth. Understanding these mechanisms is intended to point toward new treatments or ways to prevent cancers like nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and certain lymphomas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with EBV- or KSHV-associated cancers (for example, certain lymphomas, Kaposi’s sarcoma, or nasopharyngeal carcinoma) or individuals willing to donate tissue or blood samples for research.
Not a fit: People whose cancers are not linked to EBV or KSHV, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment rather than contributing samples or data, are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or prevention strategies for cancers caused by EBV and KSHV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has firmly linked EBV and KSHV to several cancers, but targeting adenosine signaling in these virus-driven cancers is a relatively new approach with limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damania, Blossom a — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Damania, Blossom a
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.