Inherited HHV-6 studied in patient-derived stem cells
Studies on Inherited Chromosomally Integrated HHV-6 with Patient-derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Researchers will grow stem cells from people who carry inherited HHV-6 to learn how the virus wakes up and harms human cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124739 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I carry inherited HHV‑6, the team will make induced pluripotent stem cells from my blood or skin cells and turn them into relevant cell types in the lab. They will watch whether and how the integrated virus reactivates and damages those cells, focusing on tissues linked to seizures, heart problems, pregnancy complications, and transplant issues. The project uses patient-derived cells so the findings reflect human biology rather than only animal models. Insights from these lab models could guide future tests of treatments or prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people confirmed to carry inherited chromosomally integrated HHV‑6 (iciHHV‑6) who can provide blood or skin samples for making stem cells.
Not a fit: People who do not carry iciHHV‑6 or who are seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could reveal why inherited HHV‑6 reactivates and point to ways to prevent or treat related brain, pregnancy, or transplant complications.
How similar studies have performed: Using patient-derived iPS cells to model viral effects has worked for other viral diseases, but applying this approach to inherited HHV‑6 is relatively new and exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Izumiya, Yoshihiro — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Izumiya, Yoshihiro
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.