How herpes simplex and chickenpox viruses build themselves
HSV/VZV chimeric viruses for identifying critical virus herpesvirus assembly interactions
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-11254899
Researchers are swapping parts between herpes simplex and varicella‑zoster (chickenpox) viruses in the lab to find which viral parts are essential for the viruses to assemble, which could help people affected by herpes infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11254899 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This is a lab project that replaces specific genes from herpes simplex virus (HSV) with matching genes from varicella‑zoster virus (VZV) and then lets the modified viruses grow so the researchers can see which changes let the virus assemble. Scientists use a directed‑evolution approach and map mutations that arise during growth to identify important protein interactions. The work focuses on viral proteins involved in nuclear exit and cytoplasmic envelopment, and follows up by testing the mechanisms of any critical interactions discovered. Although done in cells, the findings aim to point to viral steps that could be targeted by future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is primarily laboratory‑based and does not directly enroll patients, but people with HSV or VZV infections might be eligible to donate samples or take part in follow‑on clinical studies derived from this work.
Not a fit: Patients without herpes simplex or varicella‑zoster infections or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new viral components or interactions that become targets for antiviral drugs or vaccines to better prevent or treat herpes infections.
How similar studies have performed: Other laboratory studies have identified important viral protein interactions and the investigators' preliminary chimeric‑virus experiments have already revealed new interactions, though the directed‑evolution approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA — IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROLLER, RICHARD J — UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
- Study coordinator: ROLLER, RICHARD J
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.