How herpes (HSV-1) and CMV affect brain cells in Alzheimer’s
Single-cell multi-region dissection of AD-pathogen interactions for HSV-1 and CMV
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · NIH-11295464
This project looks at how two common viruses, HSV-1 and CMV, change gene activity in different brain cell types from people with Alzheimer’s.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11295464 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The researchers will profile individual brain cells from people with Alzheimer’s, mice, and lab-grown human brain organoids infected with HSV-1 or CMV to create a detailed single-cell map of viral effects across brain regions. They will combine these data with computational analyses to find which genes, cell types, and regions are most changed by these viruses. Using patient-derived iPSC models, the team will test top predicted mechanisms with high-throughput and cell-type specific laboratory assays to see which changes are causal. If you donate samples or data, your contribution could help pinpoint virus-related mechanisms that might be targeted to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with Alzheimer’s disease or brain-tissue/blood donors willing to provide samples for research into viral effects on the brain.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s or whose condition is unrelated to herpesviruses or CMV are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could reveal virus-driven molecular targets that lead to new ways to prevent, slow, or treat Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies have suggested links between herpesviruses and Alzheimer’s, but this single-cell, multi-region, multi-model approach is novel and not yet proven to change clinical care.
Where this research is happening
CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY — CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KELLIS, MANOLIS — MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- Study coordinator: KELLIS, MANOLIS
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.