How herpes simplex virus type 1 copies its DNA inside cells

Proteomics of HSV1 Replication

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11146645

This project maps the proteins that help herpes simplex virus type 1 copy its DNA inside infected cells to point toward new treatments for people with HSV infections.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11146645 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will grow cells infected with HSV-1 in the lab and chemically tag newly copied viral DNA so they can pull out the proteins attached to active replication forks. They will use iPOND combined with SILAC mass spectrometry to identify and compare proteins present during DNA synthesis versus later time points. The work focuses on viral replication proteins (like UL12, ICP8, UL30/UL42 and the helicase-primase complex) and host factors that the virus co-opts. This is lab-based discovery work rather than a treatment trial, but the results could point to new antiviral targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Although this project does not enroll patients, people with recurrent HSV-1 infections (oral or ocular herpes) would be the most relevant candidates for future related studies or clinical trials.

Not a fit: People without HSV infection or those needing immediate clinical care for unrelated conditions are unlikely to see direct short-term benefit from this basic laboratory research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal viral or host proteins essential for HSV replication that become targets for new antiviral drugs or therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies using iPOND and quantitative proteomics have successfully identified replication-associated proteins in human cells, but applying these methods specifically to HSV-1 replication and its repair dynamics is still relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.