How the Kaposi sarcoma virus spreads through saliva
Unmasking the roles of viral glycoproteins in oral transmission of KSHV
Researchers are finding which viral surface proteins let the virus that causes Kaposi sarcoma infect people through the mouth, to help protect children and people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170415 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team uses a small primate model (common marmosets) that can catch KSHV by mouth to mimic human oral infection. They will test viruses with different viral glycoproteins to see which ones are needed for the virus to enter cells and establish infection, sometimes under conditions of weakened immunity. The experiments combine lab-based molecular work with controlled oral exposure in the animal model to confirm which proteins are essential. Results will guide which viral pieces to target for vaccines or antibody therapies to block saliva-driven spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit are children and individuals with weakened immune systems (for example people living with HIV) in KSHV-endemic regions such as parts of Africa.
Not a fit: People without risk of KSHV exposure or with unrelated health conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific preclinical work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify vaccine or antibody targets to prevent KSHV spread through saliva and reduce Kaposi sarcoma cases, especially in people with HIV and in Africa.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory (in vitro) studies pointed to possible viral glycoproteins, but confirming which ones drive oral infection using a marmoset model is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ogembo, Javier Gordon — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Ogembo, Javier Gordon
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.