How viral infections and ancient virus-like DNA may drive lymphoma in people with HIV
Official title: Regulatory Crosstalk Between Human Endogenous Retroviruses, HIV, and EBV, in Lymphoma
Funded at Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11381493 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at whether HIV, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and ancient virus-like sequences in our DNA act together to promote a type of lymphoma seen in people with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2021 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $108,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA260691-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381493 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma, especially those living with HIV or whose tumors test positive for EBV.
✕Less likely to help
People without lymphoma or whose cancers are unrelated to HIV/EBV are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this specific project.
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze tumor samples of diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma from people with and without HIV and with and without EBV to see which inherited retrovirus sequences (HERVs) are active. They will compare samples collected in the United States and Brazil and profile the tumor cells and surrounding immune cells to understand how viral signals travel between cells. Laboratory experiments will test whether the HERV-derived products can change gene activity or help tumors grow. The goal is to map molecular interactions that could explain why EBV-associated lymphomas are common in people living with HIV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new biomarkers or molecular targets for diagnosing or treating AIDS‑related lymphomas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that HIV and EBV can activate certain HERVs and that HERV activity can link to cancer, but combining these factors to explain AIDS‑related DLBCL is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Manhasset, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nixon, Douglas F — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Nixon, Douglas F
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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.