How Epstein-Barr virus changes B cells to promote lymphoma
Host pathways regulating Epstein-Barr virus-mediated B cell growth transformation
['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11132723
This project looks at how Epstein-Barr virus rewires the energy systems of B cells in adults to help them become cancerous.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11132723 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how EBV alters two key energy pathways in B cells—oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis—to allow infected cells to keep growing. They will study viral proteins (like EBNA-LP and EBNA2) and cell transporters (MCT1 and MCT4) to see how these molecules work together to export lactate and maintain redox balance. The team will use laboratory models of human B cells, biochemical tests, and molecular approaches to map interactions and chemical changes on viral proteins. Findings will help explain how EBV supports B-cell immortalization and tumor formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with EBV-positive B-cell lymphoma or people willing to donate blood or tumor samples to support related laboratory research would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without EBV-associated B-cell disease or those seeking immediate treatment benefits are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets (for example, lactate transporters or viral protein interactions) that lead to therapies for EBV-associated B-cell lymphomas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked EBV to altered metabolism in B cells, but pinpointing EBNA-LP's mimicry of cellular co-activators and the dependency on MCT1/MCT4 is a newer, less tested approach.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LUFTIG, MICAH ALAN — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: LUFTIG, MICAH ALAN
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.