How skin cells and immune cells communicate to affect herpes outbreaks
Cross talk between keratinocytes and skin-resident T-cells influences HSV recurrence
This work explores how skin cells and immune cells in the skin interact to influence how often and how severely herpes simplex virus (HSV) outbreaks happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137594 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our skin's main building blocks, called keratinocytes, are the first cells targeted by the herpes virus. These cells also play a key role in relaying signals from immune cells, specifically CD8 T cells, which are stationed in the skin to fight off infections. We believe that how well these skin cells and immune cells communicate could determine if your skin resists or is vulnerable to HSV infection. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing new ways to prevent or treat herpes outbreaks, especially genital HSV-2, which affects millions globally and increases the risk of HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for anyone interested in the underlying biological mechanisms of herpes simplex virus recurrence and its impact on human health.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical trial participation will not find that benefit from this basic science grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or vaccines that help the body eliminate the herpes virus more quickly at the site of infection, reducing outbreaks and potentially lowering HIV transmission risk.
How similar studies have performed: Our previous work has shown that CD8 T cells are a critical first line of defense in the skin, providing a strong foundation for this deeper exploration of cell communication.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jia — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jia
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.