How interferon lambda protects the skin from viral infections
Antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of interferon lambda in the skin
This work looks at whether a natural immune protein called interferon lambda can reduce skin damage and inflammation from herpes (HSV-1).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300953 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse skin infection model to compare animals that can or cannot respond to interferon lambda and watch how skin lesions form and come back. They look at virus levels, the number and activity of immune cells such as neutrophils in skin wounds, and whether blocking interferon lambda makes recurring lesions worse. The team has also developed a method to trigger reactivation of latent herpes in sensory nerves to study repeated outbreaks. Findings from these mouse experiments are meant to explain how interferon lambda might limit inflammation and tissue damage during human HSV-1 infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of recurrent HSV-1 skin lesions (cold sores or recurrent skin blisters) would be the most relevant group for future clinical work based on this research.
Not a fit: People without HSV-1 or those whose skin problems are caused by nonviral conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to ways to reduce painful or frequent HSV-1 skin outbreaks by limiting harmful inflammation in the skin.
How similar studies have performed: Related research shows interferon lambda protects mucosal surfaces from viruses, but applying these findings specifically to skin and recurrent HSV-1 is newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lazear, Helen — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Lazear, Helen
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.