How nerve-cell stress wakes up dormant herpes (HSV-1)
Interplay between nuclear stress responses and herpesvirus latency
This project looks at how stress inside nerve cells wakes up dormant HSV-1, which could help people with recurring cold sores or genital herpes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11225084 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use cultured primary nerve cells that model HSV-1 latency to observe what changes in individual cells when the virus reactivates. They will apply cutting-edge single-cell technologies to identify host proteins and gene-expression shifts that are rapidly mobilized during reactivation. The team will define the viral 'reactivation signature' neurons recognize and determine why some viral genes are selectively blocked. Overall the work aims to trace the molecular steps neurons use to keep the virus dormant and to find points where the cell can stop viral replication.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with a history of recurrent HSV-1 infections (cold sores or genital herpes) who might donate samples or be interested in future clinical work.
Not a fit: People without HSV infections or those seeking immediate relief from an active outbreak are unlikely to get direct benefit from this largely laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent herpes reactivation and reduce recurrent outbreaks.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have identified neuronal responses that influence HSV latency, but converting those findings into proven treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Angus C — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Angus C
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.