How Kaposi's sarcoma virus hides in people with HIV
Project 2-Tso
Looking at how the Kaposi's sarcoma virus stays hidden from the immune system in people living with HIV so researchers can find better ways to prevent or treat Kaposi's sarcoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11191622 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on viral genes that keep Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in a hidden, or latent, state and how those genes help the virus avoid immune detection. Researchers will examine key viral factors such as LANA, kaposin (K12), and viral microRNAs that may block normal antigen presentation and promote tumor growth. The team plans laboratory analyses of these viral mechanisms and how they interact with human immune responses, using samples and data from regions where KSHV and HIV are common. Findings aim to point to targets for new therapies or prevention strategies for people living with HIV who face a risk of KS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who have Kaposi's sarcoma or are at higher risk for KSHV-associated cancers, especially in high-KSHV regions, would be the main population of interest.
Not a fit: People without HIV or without evidence of KSHV infection, or those with unrelated cancers, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat Kaposi's sarcoma by reversing viral immune evasion.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that targeting viral latency factors can change how infected cells behave, but translating these findings into patient treatments remains limited.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Lsu Health Sciences Center — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tso, for Yue — Lsu Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: Tso, for Yue
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.