How Epstein-Barr virus hides in B cells
B cell determinants of EBV latency
This project looks at how Epstein-Barr virus stays hidden inside B cells to help people who develop EBV-linked lymphomas, especially those with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158691 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how EBV controls cancer-related proteins in infected B cells by examining DNA and histone methylation that turn viral genes on or off. They will use genetic tools like CRISPR and chemical probes to find the human enzymes that regulate EBV, and analyze tumor genomes and patient-derived samples from AIDS-related lymphomas. By mapping where these enzymes act on the EBV genome, the team aims to reveal mechanisms the virus uses to remain dormant or become active. The work is done at Weill Cornell and could point to new molecular targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with EBV-positive B-cell lymphomas or people with HIV who are willing to donate tumor tissue or clinical data for research.
Not a fit: People without EBV-associated cancers or those not able to provide tissue samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify targets for new therapies to prevent or treat EBV-driven B-cell lymphomas, including those that occur with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic and chemical screens have already pointed to DNA and histone methyltransferases as regulators of EBV proteins, so this work builds on promising preclinical findings while mapping specific genomic targets is a newer step.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cesarman, Ethel — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Cesarman, Ethel
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.