How herpes viruses travel inside nerve cells
Neurotropic herpesvirus envelopment and microtubule-mediated transport
Researchers are learning how herpes viruses move inside nerve cells to cause recurrent infections in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228792 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
In the lab, scientists grow nerve cells and infect them with herpes viruses (including HSV and a related animal virus) to watch how viral particles form and move along the cell's transport highways. They use molecular tools, genetic tags, and high-resolution imaging to follow viral components and the cell's transport proteins. Some experiments use engineered viral clones and animal models to recreate what happens in human neurons. The team aims to pinpoint where viruses get their envelopes and which cellular motors carry them toward nerve endings.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of recurrent HSV-1 or HSV-2 infections or those willing to donate samples for herpes research would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Individuals without herpes infections or whose conditions are due to unrelated causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal ways to block herpes from traveling in nerves and help reduce reactivation and outbreaks.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have described parts of viral transport in neurons, but the specific envelopment steps and motor interactions targeted here remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Duncan W. — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Duncan W.
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.