How human cell proteins help herpes simplex virus copy and repair its DNA
ROLES OF HOST FACTORS IN VIRAL REPLICATION COUPLED PROCESSES
The team is identifying how human cell proteins interact with herpes simplex virus DNA during copying, repair, and gene activation to guide future treatments for people with HSV infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duquesne University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261202 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, researchers are exploring how herpes simplex virus uses human cell proteins while it copies and maintains its DNA and when it turns on late viral genes. They will use proteomics to find which proteins sit at viral replication forks and genome-wide assays to map DNA and transcription changes during infection. Experiments are done in infected cells and related lab models to see how host DNA repair, chromatin remodeling, and transcription factors are co-opted by the virus. The aim is to reveal specific host–virus interactions that could point to new drug targets or ways to stop viral replication.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is primarily laboratory-based and does not recruit patients, though people with HSV infections could benefit from therapies developed later on.
Not a fit: Because this is basic laboratory research rather than a clinical trial, individuals should not expect direct or immediate personal treatment benefits from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or strategies that stop herpes simplex virus from copying its DNA and reduce outbreaks.
How similar studies have performed: Similar proteomic and replication-fork approaches have identified host factors in viral replication in laboratory studies, but turning those discoveries into approved treatments is still early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- Duquesne University — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dembowski, Jill Ann — Duquesne University
- Study coordinator: Dembowski, Jill Ann
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.