How viral noncoding RNAs help herpesviruses hide and cause B‑cell lymphoma
"Project 3" Defining the in vivo function of ncRNAs during MHV68 latency and lymphomagenesis
This project looks at whether small viral RNAs let herpesviruses persist in B cells and raise the risk of lymphoma, information that could matter to people affected by EBV or KSHV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285401 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse model related to the human EBV and KSHV viruses to see how viral noncoding RNAs (small RNAs and miRNAs) act during long-term infection and tumor formation. They manipulate the virus and host genes in living mice to track viral spread, B cell latency, and development of lymphoproliferative disease. The team compares viral RNAs from the mouse virus to their human counterparts to identify conserved functions that might drive disease. Findings are based on in vivo experiments (animal work) rather than direct patient treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with EBV or KSHV infection or patients with virus-associated B‑cell lymphomas would be the most relevant group for future clinical steps, although the current project is performed in animal models.
Not a fit: People without EBV/KSHV infection or those with cancers not involving B cells are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat virus-associated B‑cell lymphomas by targeting viral RNAs or their effects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and mouse studies have shown viral noncoding RNAs can influence latency and spread, but translating those findings into human therapies is still early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tibbetts, Scott a. — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Tibbetts, Scott a.
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.