How the chickenpox/shingles vaccine virus interacts with human skin cells
VZV vaccine attenuation and the DNA damage response
Researchers are examining how the vaccine form of the varicella zoster virus behaves in human cells to help make safer, more effective vaccines for adults at risk of shingles.
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-11117073 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project compares the live vaccine virus (vOka) with wild-type varicella zoster virus to find genetic differences that change how the virus behaves in skin and nerve-related cells. Scientists focus on a viral protein called IE62 and several vaccine-linked mutations to see how they alter cell responses such as the DNA damage response and skin cell markers like KRT15. Work uses human keratinocytes, skin samples, and molecular lab tests to trace which changes cause the vaccine to be weaker or safer. The goal is to pinpoint the genetic basis of attenuation so vaccine design can be improved.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have had chickenpox or are at risk for shingles are the eventual beneficiaries and could be candidates for improved vaccines emerging from this work.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for active shingles or acute complications would not directly benefit from this basic science project right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to live VZV vaccines that cause fewer side effects and lower the chance of later shingles.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown live attenuated VZV vaccines provide protection but the specific genetic reasons for attenuation are not fully settled, so this approach builds on existing findings but addresses new mechanistic questions.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kinchington, Paul R. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Kinchington, Paul R.
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.