How plasma cells in the tonsils help Kaposi sarcoma virus take hold
Defining the role of plasma cells in the establishment of KSHV infection in human tonsil
['FUNDING_R01'] · CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11177662
This project looks at how a type of immune cell in the tonsils helps Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) start infections, which matters for people with HIV or organ transplants.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ORANGE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11177662 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you donated tonsil tissue, researchers would use it in a lab model that mimics how KSHV infects cells in the mouth and throat. They already have a large library of human tonsils and will infect tonsil-derived lymphocytes outside the body to see which cells get infected first. The team is focusing on mature plasma cells and testing whether infection of these cells amplifies the virus and whether the viral cytokine vIL-6 helps the virus establish itself. Results will come from lab experiments on the donated human tissues rather than treatments given to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people undergoing tonsil removal who are willing to donate their removed tissue for research, especially those with HIV or organ transplants.
Not a fit: People who are not having tonsil surgery or who cannot donate tissue would not be able to participate or directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to prevent or limit KSHV infection and reduce the risk of Kaposi sarcoma and related B-cell disorders in people with weakened immune systems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory work found that mature plasma cells are targeted early by KSHV, but using human tonsil tissue ex vivo to define the amplification role of plasma cells and the role of vIL-6 is a newer, more detailed approach.
Where this research is happening
ORANGE, UNITED STATES
- CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY — ORANGE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TOTONCHY, JENNIFER E — CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: TOTONCHY, JENNIFER E
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus