How the OPTN protein helps protect the cornea and its nerves from herpes damage
Autophagic Regulation of Eye Interaction
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11292851
This work seeks to find out if the OPTN protein helps keep the cornea and its sensory nerves healthy after herpes eye infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11292851 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have had herpes-related eye disease, this research uses mouse models and immune cell studies to learn how the OPTN protein helps clear damaged and viral proteins from eye cells. Researchers will compare normal and OPTN-deficient animals to track corneal nerve function, levels of inflammation, and vision-related outcomes after HSV-1 infection. They will also examine antigen-presenting cells (like dendritic cells) to see how OPTN affects MHC class II and immune responses. The goal is to reveal biological steps that lead to nerve loss and dry eye after herpes so future treatments can target those steps.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a history of ocular HSV-1 infection, recurrent herpes stromal keratitis, or chronic dry eye following herpes eye disease would be the most relevant patients.
Not a fit: People whose eye problems are caused by non-herpetic conditions or unrelated structural issues are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to new ways to prevent corneal nerve damage, chronic inflammation, and vision loss after herpes eye infections.
How similar studies have performed: Autophagy and OPTN have established roles in neurodegeneration and prior mouse work supports OPTN's importance, but applying OPTN-focused approaches to herpes-related corneal nerve protection is a relatively new direction.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHUKLA, DEEPAK — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: SHUKLA, DEEPAK
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.
Conditions: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease