How two CMV proteins help the virus stay hidden and later wake up
Role of HCMV UL7-8 genes in the regulation of host cell signaling during viral latency and reactivation
Researchers are looking at whether two cytomegalovirus proteins called UL7 and UL8 help the virus hide in blood stem cells and later reactivate, which matters for people who have had transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171776 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team will map which human proteins and signaling pathways interact with the viral proteins UL7 and UL8 to understand how CMV stays latent and then reactivates. They will use laboratory models including human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells and molecular methods to identify the UL8 interactome and how UL7 modifies UL8-driven signaling (RhoA, Wnt, EGFR pathways). Experiments will look at how these interactions change cell differentiation and behaviors linked to viral reactivation and spread. The goal is to reveal cellular steps that could be targeted to stop reactivation in vulnerable patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for involvement would be people with prior CMV infection, especially solid organ or stem cell transplant recipients, or volunteers able to donate blood or CD34+ progenitor cells for lab study.
Not a fit: People without CMV infection or whose health issues are unrelated to CMV reactivation are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent CMV reactivation and protect transplant recipients from CMV-related illness.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies support roles for UL7 and UL8 in signaling and reactivation, but translating these findings into clinical treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Caposio, Patrizia — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Caposio, Patrizia
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.