How the cold sore virus (HSV-1) changes brain cells linked to Alzheimer’s
Transcriptomics-based identification of cell type specific host genes and gene networks perturbed by HSV-1 in cerebral organoids.
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11322713
This work looks at how the common herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) alters specific brain cells and genes that are linked to Alzheimer’s, including whether the APOE-e4 risk gene makes those effects worse.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11322713 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses lab-grown "mini-brains" made from human stem cells and samples from real human brains and spinal fluid to see which brain cell types HSV-1 infects and how it changes gene activity. Researchers will compare organoids and human samples that carry different APOE genes to find out whether APOE-e4 amplifies the virus-related changes. They will use advanced single-cell and spatial gene-reading tools to map changes in each cell type across infected and uninfected tissue. The goal is to connect virus-driven molecular changes to Alzheimer’s-related genes and pathways that might be targeted in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease, those at higher genetic risk (for example APOE-e4 carriers), or individuals willing to donate brain tissue or cerebrospinal fluid for research would be the most relevant participants or sample donors.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment or those without Alzheimer’s-related pathology or unwilling to provide tissue/CSF samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic and translational laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific brain cells and genes affected by HSV-1 in Alzheimer’s and point toward new prevention or treatment strategies, such as targeted antivirals or therapies aimed at those pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked herpesviruses to Alzheimer’s-related gene networks and shown HSV-1 can promote amyloid changes, but translating these findings into proven therapies remains novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIM, TENG-TING ELAINE — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: LIM, TENG-TING ELAINE
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.