How interferon lambda affects herpes virus entry into nerves
The Role of Interferon Lambda in Alpha Herpesvirus Neuroinvasion
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11264815
This project looks at whether a natural immune signal called interferon lambda changes whether common herpes viruses move from infected skin or mucous membranes into nerve cells in people with HSV infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11264815 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you get herpes infections, this research studies how the immune signal interferon lambda made by infected skin or mucosa affects whether the virus travels into nearby nerves. Researchers will use lab models of nerve fibers (axons) and infected epithelial cells to watch how viral particles move and whether they establish a dormant or active infection in neurons. The team has developed a lab model of latency to test how interferon lambda changes viral transport and reactivation. The work is done in UC Irvine laboratories and aims to reveal steps that could be targeted by future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with recurrent HSV-1 infections (for example frequent cold sores, oral or ocular herpes) or who are concerned about nerve-involved herpes disease would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without alpha herpesvirus infections or whose health issues are unrelated to herpes viruses are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to block herpes viruses from invading nerves or reduce reactivation and recurrent outbreaks.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows interferons can limit herpes spread, but focusing on interferon lambda's specific effect on viral transport along axons is relatively new and is supported by preliminary lab data.
Where this research is happening
IRVINE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE — IRVINE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KOYUNCU, ORKIDE O. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- Study coordinator: KOYUNCU, ORKIDE O.
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.
Conditions: Aujeszky's Disease Virus, Aujeszkys Disease Virus