Impact of sulfated glycans on HSV-1 entry and iris inflammation
Official title: Impact of sulfated glycans on HSV-1 mediated entry and inflammation in iris stroma derived from human eye donors
Funded at Midwestern University · NIH-11444523 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to see if special sugar molecules can block HSV-1 from entering eye tissue and calm inflammation in human iris cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Midwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Downers Grove, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $558,646 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI202615-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11444523 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with HSV-1–associated anterior uveitis or those at risk of iris inflammation, who could eventually benefit from targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HSV-1–related anterior uveitis or eye inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Researchers will use primary human iris stromal cells from donor eyes to test sulfated glycans for preventing HSV-1 infection and reducing inflammatory responses. They will identify which glycans most effectively block viral entry and replication in iris tissue and explore how these molecules interfere with viral binding and entry receptors. The work aims to restore healthy tissue balance by protecting the iris stroma from damage during infection while minimizing toxicity. Findings could point toward new treatments that protect vision in people with HSV-1–related eye inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to therapies that limit HSV-1 entry and inflammation in the eye, potentially reducing vision-threatening complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest that sulfated glycans can interfere with HSV-1 entry, supporting potential benefit of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Midwestern University
Downers Grove, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tiwari, Vaibhav — Midwestern University
- Study coordinator: Tiwari, Vaibhav
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.