How HTLV‑1 switches on and leads to adult T‑cell leukemia
Project 3: Epigenomic Regulation of HTLV-1 Reactivation & Pathogenesis
Researchers are studying how switches in the HTLV‑1 virus's DNA can wake the virus and contribute to adult T‑cell leukemia in people infected with HTLV‑1.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11198132 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I had HTLV‑1, this project would look at how viral DNA 'switches'—a viral enhancer and a protein binding site for CTCF—control when the virus wakes up. The team will test these elements using cells in culture, rabbits, and humanized immunodeficient mice and will compare those results to samples taken from people with HTLV‑1 or ATLL. They will use multi‑omic methods (DNA methylation, histone marks, gene expression) and track proviral and T‑cell receptor clonality to see how the virus persists and drives cancer. The researchers will also examine proteins like cohesin to see whether changing them alters viral reactivation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People infected with HTLV‑1, including those with or at risk for adult T‑cell leukemia/lymphoma, are the primary candidates to contribute clinical samples or join related studies.
Not a fit: People without HTLV‑1 infection or with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify molecular targets to prevent HTLV‑1 reactivation or guide new treatments for adult T‑cell leukemia/lymphoma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies showed CTCF influences HTLV‑1 gene expression, but combining enhancer/insulator mechanisms across animal models and human clinical samples is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ratner, Lee — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ratner, Lee
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.