Investigating how a virus causes a specific type of cancer in lymphatic cells

Developing KSHV-Infected Lymphatic Endothelial Cell-Based Models of Kaposi’s Sarcoma

['FUNDING_R21'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO · NIH-11005864

This study is looking at how a virus linked to Kaposi’s Sarcoma, a type of cancer that often affects people with AIDS, changes certain cells in the body, and it aims to find new ways to treat this cancer.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AT CHICAGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11005864 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how the Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) leads to Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS), a cancer often seen in AIDS patients. The team is developing a model using lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) that are infected with KSHV to study the changes that occur during cancer development. By employing advanced techniques like CRISPR, they aim to identify specific genes that contribute to the cancerous transformation of these cells. This work could provide insights into the mechanisms of KS and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Kaposi’s Sarcoma or those with a history of AIDS-related conditions.

Not a fit: Patients without Kaposi’s Sarcoma or those not affected by KSHV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients with Kaposi’s Sarcoma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using similar cell models to study cancer mechanisms, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: AIDS associated cancer, AIDS related cancer, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.