How EBV infection changes B cells and may lead to cancer
Official title: Remodeling of the host epigenome during EBV infection
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11110394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Epstein-Barr virus affects B cells, which are important for our immune system, to better understand how it can lead to certain types of cancer, especially by focusing on a specific viral protein and its effects on cell structure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 7, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $543,298 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182056-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11110394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with EBV-related lymphomas or those with a history of EBV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without EBV infection or those with unrelated types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) alters the biology of B cells, which are crucial components of the immune system. By examining the mechanisms through which EBV infection leads to the activation, proliferation, and immortalization of these cells, the study aims to uncover new insights into the development of EBV-related lymphomas. The researchers will focus on the role of a viral protein called LMP1 and its impact on the 3D structure of chromatin in B cells, which may influence gene expression and contribute to cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating EBV-related lymphomas.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on EBV and its role in cancer, this specific approach focusing on the 3D chromatin structure is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tempera, Italo — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Tempera, Italo
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.