How skin cells and immune cells interact affects herpes simplex virus recurrence
Official title: Cross talk between keratinocytes and skin-resident T-cells influences HSV recurrence
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-10942815 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how skin cells and certain immune cells work together during herpes simplex virus infections, with the hope of finding new ways to boost the immune response and help prevent outbreaks, which could lead to better treatments or vaccines for people with HSV.
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 start | July 12, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $881,878 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI184778-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942815 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience recurrent herpes simplex virus infections, particularly those with genital HSV-2.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have herpes simplex virus infections or those with other unrelated skin conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interaction between skin cells called keratinocytes and immune cells known as CD8 tissue resident memory T cells in the context of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. By understanding how these cells communicate, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that influence the skin's resistance or susceptibility to HSV. The study will explore the molecular pathways involved in this interaction, with the goal of developing new strategies to enhance immune responses and potentially prevent HSV outbreaks. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments or vaccines for HSV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments or vaccines that significantly reduce the frequency and severity of herpes simplex virus outbreaks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses to viral infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights, although the specific interactions being studied here may be novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jia — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jia
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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.