How herpes simplex virus changes cell DNA-repair and protein systems
Manipulation of the DNA damage response and the proteome on viral genomes during Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection
This work looks at how herpes simplex virus (HSV) hijacks cells' DNA-repair and protein-handling systems to help the virus, with the goal of informing better treatments for people with HSV infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hosp of Philadelphia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231732 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use broad proteomics and signaling-mapping methods to see how HSV infection and the viral protein ICP0 alter the cell's DNA damage response and proteasome activity. Most experiments will be done in infected cells in the lab to identify which host proteins are modified, degraded, or moved during infection. The team focuses on signaling and protein changes specifically at viral genomes rather than only on damaged cellular DNA. By creating an unbiased map of these interactions, the study aims to reveal cellular pathways that could be targeted to prevent or limit HSV replication.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent or severe HSV-1 infections who want improved antiviral options would be the most likely to benefit from findings that lead to new therapies.
Not a fit: People without herpes simplex infections or those with unrelated viral illnesses are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new molecular targets for antiviral drugs or strategies to reduce HSV replication.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown HSV uses DNA damage response pathways and the ICP0 protein to promote replication, but applying broad proteomics to map signaling on viral genomes is a newer approach that may reveal additional targets.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Children's Hosp of Philadelphia — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weitzman, Matthew D. — Children's Hosp of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Weitzman, Matthew D.
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.