How Kaposi's sarcoma virus stays hidden and can become active
Studies on Epigenetically Active Latent Chromatin Maintenance
This work looks at how Kaposi's sarcoma virus stays dormant in cells and whether targeting a viral–host protein complex can help stop the virus from reactivating in people with KSHV-related illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262271 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study viral DNA that stays in cells (KSHV episomes) and how a viral protein (LANA) teams up with a cellular protein complex (ChAHP) to control whether the virus stays hidden or wakes up. They will use laboratory-grown cell models carrying KSHV and molecular tools to map how enhancers and promoters interact on the viral genome. The team will test whether disrupting the LANA–ChAHP interaction changes the virus's ability to reactivate. Findings could point to molecular targets for future therapies to keep the virus dormant or prevent disease caused by reactivation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known KSHV infection or KSHV-related conditions (for example, Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, or multicentric Castleman disease) would be the most relevant group for future clinical follow-up.
Not a fit: People without KSHV infection or those with unrelated cancers or conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new molecular targets to prevent KSHV reactivation and reduce Kaposi's sarcoma and other KSHV-related diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have described roles for LANA and ChAHP in viral latency, but targeting the LANA–ChAHP interaction as a therapy is largely experimental and not yet tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Izumiya, Yoshihiro — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Izumiya, Yoshihiro
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.