How herpes simplex virus comes back in the eye
Ocular HSV: Mechanism of virus reactivation
This research looks at whether low levels of viral protein and a nerve-cell receptor cause herpes simplex virus to wake up and harm the eye in people who have had eye HSV before.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256734 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you've had herpes in the eye before, this work focuses on how the virus hides in the nerves and later reactivates. The team examines the viral latency-associated transcript (LAT), a viral protein called gD, and the host receptor HVEM in nerve cells and animal models, and compares findings to human tissue when available. They use laboratory experiments on nerve cells, infected animals, and molecular analyses to map the steps that trigger reactivation. The hope is to find precise molecular targets that could be used to prevent recurrences and protect vision.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of ocular herpes (HSV keratitis) or recurrent HSV affecting the eye would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical work or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without prior HSV infection of the eye or those whose eye problems are caused by other diseases are unlikely to benefit directly from this mechanistic work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to prevent HSV reactivation in the eye and reduce repeat infections and vision loss.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have linked LAT, gD, and HVEM to HSV latency and reactivation, but translating those findings into patient treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ghiasi, Homayon — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ghiasi, Homayon
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.