How natural killer immune cells control cytomegalovirus
Natural Killer Cell Control of Murine Cytomegalovirus Infection
Using mouse models, researchers are learning how natural killer (NK) immune cells recognize and clear cytomegalovirus to guide future ways to protect people at risk from CMV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170513 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how two types of NK cell receptors — activating and inhibitory — work together to find and kill cells infected with cytomegalovirus in mice. The team manipulates genes in mice, including with CRISPR techniques, to turn specific Ly49 receptors on or off and then watches how those changes affect viral control. They study both receptors that directly detect viral proteins and inhibitory receptors that sense loss of normal self-markers, to understand how NK cells are trained and triggered. Findings are compared to human NK receptor systems (KIRs) to point toward strategies that might one day protect people from CMV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit in the future include those at high risk from CMV such as newborns, pregnant people, organ transplant recipients, and people with weakened immune systems.
Not a fit: Because this is basic research in mice, it will not provide direct or immediate treatment benefits to patients right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost or mimic NK cell defenses, leading to better prevention or treatments for CMV in people at risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse studies have identified NK receptors like Ly49H that protect against murine CMV, but translating those findings into human therapies remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yokoyama, Wayne M. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Yokoyama, Wayne M.
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.