Interactions of ancient viral DNA, HIV, and EBV in lymphoma
Regulatory Crosstalk Between Human Endogenous Retroviruses, HIV, and EBV, in Lymphoma
This work looks at how remnants of ancient viruses in our DNA, together with HIV and Epstein-Barr virus, might drive lymphoma 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 ID | NIH-11192376 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will examine tumor and blood samples from people with diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (DLBCL) collected in the USA and Brazil to see which viral elements are active. They will measure activity of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), look for viral proteins and regulatory signals, and compare tumors with and without EBV and with and without HIV. The team will also study how HIV-infected T cells and the tumor microenvironment might boost these viral signals. Laboratory methods will include molecular analyses and sequencing of patient-derived samples to trace these interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma, especially those living with HIV or whose tumors test positive for EBV, or those willing to provide tumor or blood samples, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with cancers unrelated to HIV/EBV-driven lymphoma or who cannot provide tumor or blood samples are unlikely to directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biomarkers or targets for therapies tailored to AIDS-related DLBCL.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that HIV and EBV can activate HERVs, so this project builds on earlier findings though the specific crosstalk in AIDS-related DLBCL is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Manhasset, United States
- 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
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.