How herpes simplex virus causes eye and brain disease in newborns and adults
Viral and Host Factors in Herpetic Diseases
['FUNDING_R01'] · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · NIH-11128601
Researchers are working to understand how herpes simplex virus affects the eye and brain in adults and newborns to help prevent and treat severe infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DARTMOUTH COLLEGE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HANOVER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11128601 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you or your newborn are affected by herpes simplex virus (HSV), this work focuses on how the virus causes acute infections at mucosal sites and long-term latent infections in nerves, with special attention to dangerous neonatal infections. The team studies both viral features and the body's responses using patient samples, lab cell and animal models, and molecular tools such as viral vectors. They examine steps of infection, latency, and host-virus interactions to find earlier diagnostic markers and targets for better prevention or therapies. The goal is to translate those findings into approaches that reduce death and long-term neurologic or eye problems in infants and improve care for affected adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Most relevant candidates would include newborns and infants with suspected or confirmed HSV infection and adults with recurrent or sight-threatening ocular or neurologic HSV disease who receive care at participating centers.
Not a fit: People without HSV infection or those with non-infectious brain injuries are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to earlier diagnosis, improved treatments, or preventive strategies that reduce mortality and long-term neurological and ophthalmic damage from HSV infections.
How similar studies have performed: Antiviral drugs like acyclovir have reduced mortality, but many survivors still suffer severe sequelae, so this research builds on known antiviral effects while seeking earlier diagnosis and new preventive or reparative approaches.
Where this research is happening
HANOVER, UNITED STATES
- DARTMOUTH COLLEGE — HANOVER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEIB, DAVID A — DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
- Study coordinator: LEIB, DAVID A
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 brain injury