How Epstein‑Barr and Kaposi's viruses cause B‑cell cancers
Project 2 - Uncovering Mechanisms of the Lymphoid Oncogenesis of Epstein-Barr Virus and Kaposi's Sarcoma
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11322128
The team is working to find how Epstein‑Barr virus and Kaposi's sarcoma virus cause B‑cell cancers that affect people with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11322128 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use genome-wide CRISPR gene-editing screens in human lymphoma cells to find which host genes the viruses need to keep tumors alive. They co-infect human peripheral and tonsil B cells with EBV and KSHV and study those co‑transformed cells to see how the two viruses cooperate. The infected cells are also grown as tumors in specialized mice to observe behavior and test which pathways drive disease. Together these lab and animal methods aim to reveal the biological steps that lead to AIDS‑related B‑cell cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HIV-associated B‑cell lymphomas (for example EBV+ Burkitt lymphoma, primary effusion lymphoma, or EBV+ DLBCL) or patients willing to donate tumor or blood samples relevant to those cancers would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without EBV- or KSHV-associated B‑cell cancers or those with unrelated cancer types are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could identify targets for new treatments or prevention strategies for EBV- and KSHV-associated B‑cell cancers, particularly in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous CRISPR screening work by this team has already revealed cellular drivers in EBV-related Burkitt lymphoma and shown promise, though mechanisms of co‑infection and PEL formation remain being worked out.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SUGDEN, WILLIAM M. — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: SUGDEN, WILLIAM M.
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome