How nerve signals contribute to herpes-related corneal scarring
Contribution of sympathetic nerves to herpes stromal keratitis
Researchers are looking at whether signals from nerves make herpes infections of the cornea worse for people with recurrent eye herpes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319718 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have recurring herpes of the eye, this project aims to understand why those infections sometimes cause repeated inflammation and scarring that can threaten vision. The team uses mouse models to study a protein called SARM1 and how nerve cells and immune cells talk to each other during infection. They will test whether lacking SARM1 changes how the virus is controlled and how the immune response develops over time. This work could point to new ways to stop recurrent corneal damage from herpes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of recurrent herpes simplex infection of the cornea (herpes stromal keratitis) who could participate in future clinical work, likely near the University of Pittsburgh, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without HSV-1 corneal disease or whose vision loss is caused by non-herpetic conditions are unlikely to benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets to prevent recurrent herpes-related corneal scarring and help preserve vision.
How similar studies have performed: Related animal studies show nerve–immune interactions can change corneal disease outcomes, but focusing on SARM1 in HSK is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: St Leger, Anthony J — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: St Leger, Anthony J
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.