Investigating how a virus affects protein degradation in nerve cells and its role in reactivation.
Official title: Role for ICP0 and UL55/UL13/Us10 in protein degradation in neurons and reactivation of HSV from latent infection
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11061688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the herpes virus can hide in nerve cells and what proteins it breaks down to avoid being attacked by the immune system, which could help us understand how it can cause serious health problems later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | November 8, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $215,810 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI183192-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061688 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of HSV-1 infection, particularly those experiencing neurological symptoms or complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never been infected with HSV-1 or those without neurological symptoms are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1), which can remain dormant in nerve cells and reactivate, potentially causing serious health issues like encephalitis and neurodegenerative diseases. The study aims to identify specific host proteins that the virus degrades in neurons, which may help the virus evade the immune response. By understanding these mechanisms, researchers hope to uncover new insights into how HSV-1 reactivation occurs and its implications for neuronal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating complications associated with HSV-1 reactivation, including neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms being investigated are novel, previous research has shown that understanding viral interactions with host proteins can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cliffe, Anna Ruth — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Cliffe, Anna Ruth
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.