How immune system genes shape HSV‑1 effects on Alzheimer's risk
Immunoglobulin Genes and Immunity to HSV1 in Alzheimer's Disease
This research looks at whether natural differences in antibody genes change how the common HSV‑1 virus interacts with the brain in people with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322686 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will compare antibody gene types (called GM or IGHG allotypes) in people with Alzheimer's, people at risk, and healthy volunteers. They will combine genetic testing with blood tests for past HSV‑1 exposure and may use samples to study how antibodies fight the virus. The team will also consider known Alzheimer's risk factors like the APOE ε4 gene to see how these interact with antibody differences. Results come from lab analyses of patient samples and comparisons across groups to spot patterns linked to dementia risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include people with Alzheimer's disease, people at increased genetic risk (for example APOE ε4 carriers), and healthy volunteers willing to give blood and medical history.
Not a fit: People whose Alzheimer's is unrelated to HSV‑1 or antibody gene differences, or those unwilling to provide samples, are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify who is more likely to develop Alzheimer's because of HSV‑1 interactions and point toward new prevention or immune-based approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked APOE ε4 and HSV‑1 to Alzheimer's risk, but studying immunoglobulin GM allotypes in this context is relatively new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pandey, Janardan P — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Pandey, Janardan P
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.