How Epstein-Barr virus contributes to aggressive B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
Official title: Project 4 - Defining the Role of EBV in DLBCL Pathogenesis and Identification of Therapeutic Targets
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11322132 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at how Epstein‑Barr virus affects certain types of diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL) to find new treatment targets for people with DLBCL, including those living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 1997 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $430,044 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA022443-48 |
| Project ID | NIH-11322132 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People diagnosed with diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma, particularly those whose tumors test positive for EBV or show BN2 subtype features, would be most relevant to this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose lymphoma is EBV‑negative and does not match the BN2 or related genetic subtypes are less likely to benefit directly from findings focused on EBV+ DLBCL.
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze the genetic makeup of DLBCL tumors to see which subtypes carry Epstein‑Barr virus (EBV). They will study in the lab how EBV latent genes interact with BN2-associated driver mutations and other genetic changes. Using tumor samples and molecular models, the team will search for dependencies that EBV+ DLBCL cells need to survive. The goal is to identify molecular vulnerabilities that could be targeted with new therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new drug targets and lead to therapies tailored for EBV‑positive DLBCL, potentially improving outcomes especially for people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has linked EBV to some lymphomas and subtype‑directed approaches have helped other DLBCL groups, but targeting EBV+ DLBCL—and its overlap with BN2—is a relatively new and developing area.
Where this research is happening
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johannsen, Eric C. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Johannsen, Eric C.
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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.