How natural killer cells fight cytomegalovirus
The natural killer cell response against mouse cytomegalovirus infection
This project looks at how immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells respond to cytomegalovirus to help newborns and people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240319 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse model of cytomegalovirus (CMV) to learn how NK cells control viral infection. They focus on a protein called IRF4 and use genetically modified mice that lack IRF4 in NK cells to see how that changes immune function. The team will measure gene activity, epigenetic marks, protein partners, and cell metabolism during infection. Findings will clarify how IRF4 helps NK cells fight CMV and could point to ways to strengthen antiviral immunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this work are newborns, transplant recipients, or others with weakened immune systems who get CMV and who might be candidates for future clinical studies.
Not a fit: Patients with illnesses unrelated to viral infections or CMV are unlikely to see direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to boost NK cell defenses and lead to therapies that better protect newborns and immunocompromised people from CMV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse CMV studies have revealed key NK cell antiviral mechanisms, but the specific role of IRF4 in NK responses is a novel area being explored.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Joseph Chai-Yuen — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Sun, Joseph Chai-Yuen
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.