How intestinal parasites can trigger dormant gamma-herpesviruses
Defining Mechanisms for Parasite-Driven Effects on Gamma-Herpesvirus Latency
This work looks at whether common intestinal parasites can wake up dormant gamma-herpesviruses in people who carry these viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261156 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are exploring how having an intestinal parasite might cause a normally quiet (latent) gamma-herpesvirus to become active again. They use laboratory infection models to change the order of parasite and virus exposure and measure whether and how often the virus reactivates. The team examines immune signals and cells (like cytokines, retinoic acid, and macrophages) that may drive reactivation. Findings are built on earlier animal data showing parasite co-infection can increase herpesvirus reactivation, but the project tests different timing and mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who carry chronic gamma-herpesviruses (for example EBV or related viruses) and who have or are at risk for intestinal parasite infections would be most directly relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without chronic herpesvirus infections or without exposure to intestinal parasites are unlikely to get direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal triggers of herpesvirus flare-ups and suggest new ways to prevent or reduce viral reactivation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies by these investigators showed parasite infection after herpesvirus can trigger reactivation, so parts of this concept have supportive data while other mechanisms remain novel.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reese, Tiffany Anne — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Reese, Tiffany Anne
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.