How herpes simplex virus proteins trigger reactivation in nerve cells
Role for ICP0 and UL55/UL13/Us10 in protein degradation in neurons and reactivation of HSV from latent infection
This project explores whether specific herpes virus proteins break down nerve-cell defenses so the virus can wake up and cause symptoms in people with HSV-1 infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11229593 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Virginia will use laboratory-grown neurons and models of latent HSV-1 infection to identify which human proteins the virus destroys. They will compare infections with and without the viral factors ICP0 and the pUL55/pUL13/pUS10 complex to see how each contributes to protein degradation in neurons. The team will use protein-detection methods and reactivation experiments to measure how loss of host proteins affects whether the virus stays dormant or becomes active. Findings aim to reveal the cellular barriers that keep HSV-1 silent and how the virus overcomes them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of HSV-1 infection, especially those with frequent reactivation, cold sores, or prior herpes-related encephalitis, would be most likely to benefit from future treatments based on this work.
Not a fit: Those without HSV-1 infection or whose neurological problems are unrelated to herpes are unlikely to see direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets to prevent herpes reactivation and reduce outbreaks, serious brain infections, or possible links to neurodegenerative disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research showed ICP0 can degrade host proteins in non-neuronal cells and viral factors can promote reactivation, but applying these findings specifically to neurons and the pUL55 complex is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cliffe, Anna Ruth — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Cliffe, Anna Ruth
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.