How the Epstein-Barr virus protein LMP1 may cause lymphoma in people with HIV
Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 mediated oncogenicity
This work looks at how an Epstein-Barr virus protein called LMP1 can drive certain lymphomas in adults living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306698 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you are living with HIV, this research looks at how the Epstein-Barr virus protein LMP1 can change human B cells and promote the types of lymphomas seen more often in people with HIV. Researchers use primary human B cells and genetically engineered EBV viruses with specific point mutations to identify which parts of LMP1 are critical for cell survival and transformation. They are testing how LMP1 blocks programmed cell death pathways, turns on immune-suppressing signals like PD-L1, and how germinal-center cytokines tied to HIV affect LMP1 levels. The goal is to connect these molecular findings to EBV-positive lymphomas and point toward possible biomarkers or targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who have or are at risk for EBV-associated lymphomas, or who can provide blood or tumor samples, would be the most relevant candidates for participation.
Not a fit: Children, people without HIV, or patients whose lymphomas are not linked to EBV are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal viral mechanisms and targets that help develop better diagnostics or therapies for EBV-positive lymphomas in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has established that LMP1 can drive B-cell transformation and immune evasion, but the specific roles of its C-terminal domains and how HIV alters those effects remain novel and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gewurz, Benjamin Elison — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gewurz, Benjamin Elison
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.