How small DNA viruses hide and later reactivate
Exploiting pseudogenetic screens to unravel small DNA virus persistence
This project uses modified small DNA viruses to find the genes and mechanisms that let viruses like polyomaviruses stay hidden and then reactivate in people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11230232 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team will add short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) into polyomavirus genomes to see which viral or host genes control persistence and reactivation. They will first optimize how these shRNAs are expressed in the virus and then run pilot genetic screens to spot changes that trigger virus reawakening. Most experiments will be done in the lab using virus samples and cell models that mimic infection in people. The work is intended to create tools that point to factors driving persistence so future therapies can target them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant would be adults with weakened immune systems—for example, organ transplant recipients or patients on anti-rejection therapy—who are at risk for polyomavirus reactivation.
Not a fit: Healthy people without immunosuppression or those with unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to prevent or treat polyomavirus reactivation in immunocompromised patients.
How similar studies have performed: Related genetic screening methods have identified host factors for other viruses, but inserting shRNAs into polyomaviruses is a novel approach and remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, Christopher S. — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, Christopher S.
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.