How Epstein-Barr virus acts in the back of the nose and throat and the role of the viral protein LMP1
Epstein-Barr virus molecular pathogenesis in the nasopharynx and the role of LMP1 in lytic infection
Researchers are looking at how Epstein-Barr virus and its protein LMP1 spark active virus cycles in the nasopharynx, which matters for people at risk of nasopharyngeal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285363 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses three-dimensional, air-liquid interface lab models that mimic the layers of cells in the nasopharynx to study Epstein-Barr virus behavior. Scientists will reactivate EBV in human-derived cell models (including an EBV-infected HK1 cell line) and test whether LMP1 turns on the virus lytic switch (BZLF1/Zebra) and leads to virus production. The 3-D approach lets them study different cell types and layering that cannot be seen in flat 2-D cultures. Results should clarify how viral reactivation, inflammation, and virus shedding happen in the upper airway.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is laboratory research using human cell lines and 3-D tissue models and does not enroll patients or require patient participation.
Not a fit: People with cancers or conditions that are not linked to Epstein-Barr virus are unlikely to get direct benefit from this grant's work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal mechanisms to guide earlier detection, prevention, or targeted treatments for EBV-associated nasopharyngeal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have shown that EBV lytic genes and LMP1 can promote cancer-related processes, but applying 3-D nasopharyngeal models to define LMP1's role is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shair, Kathy — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Shair, Kathy
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.