How Epstein-Barr virus changes tumor-suppressor proteins to promote lymphoma
Tumor suppressor reprogramming by EBV through post-translational modification
Researchers are looking at how the Epstein-Barr virus alters a key tumor-suppressor protein in B cells to understand why people with HIV can develop lymphoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11191554 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is studying how the EBV protein EBNA3C modifies the tumor suppressor Rb in infected B cells and how those changes push cells toward cancer. They will use EBV-infected human B cells grown in the lab (including lymphoblastoid cell lines), biochemical tests to track post-translational modifications like acetylation and proteasome interactions, and comparisons with disease-relevant samples. The goal is to map the molecular steps by which EBV reprograms infected cells so researchers can point to potential targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HIV who have EBV-positive B‑cell lymphoma or individuals willing to donate blood or tumor samples for research would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Patients without EBV-associated B‑cell lymphoma or those expecting immediate changes to their clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets for treatments aimed at EBV-related B‑cell lymphomas in immunocompromised people.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies show EBV proteins can alter cell-cycle regulators, but detailed mapping of post-translational changes to Rb is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robertson, Erle S. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Robertson, Erle S.
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.