How Kaposi's sarcoma virus spreads through the mouth
Oral transmission of KSHV using rhesus macaque rhadinovirus model
This project looks at how the virus that causes Kaposi’s sarcoma can pass through the mouth and what makes infection more likely, using a related monkey virus and lab-grown oral cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145772 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use a rhesus macaque model and a closely related monkey virus (RRV) that mimics human KSHV to see whether the virus can cross the oral lining to start infection. They will perform controlled infections in monkeys and map which regions of the mouth and which cell types are vulnerable. In parallel, lab-grown oral tissues and cell studies will test viral surface proteins and the receptors they bind to. The team will also use a cloned form of the monkey virus to change viral genes and see how those changes affect the ability to infect by the oral route.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV and individuals in regions where KSHV is commonly acquired early in life would be the most relevant groups for the findings of this research.
Not a fit: People without risk of KSHV exposure or whose conditions are unrelated to viral infections are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent KSHV spread and reduce cases of Kaposi’s sarcoma, especially in children and people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown the rhesus virus can reproduce KSHV-like disease after intravenous infection, but applying this model specifically to study oral transmission is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wong, Scott W — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Wong, Scott W
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.