Investigating how a virus causes a specific type of cancer in lymphatic cells
Official title: Developing KSHV-Infected Lymphatic Endothelial Cell-Based Models of Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11005864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $411,400 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA291288-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Kaposi’s Sarcoma or those with a history of AIDS-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Kaposi’s Sarcoma or those not affected by KSHV may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gottwein, Eva Henriette — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Gottwein, Eva Henriette
Related research
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Precision 3D Imaging to Monitor Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with SkinScan3D
A new portable 3D imaging tool called SkinScan3D will help doctors measure KS skin lesions more accurately and quickly, especially in people living with HIV.
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Precision 3D Imaging to Track Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with SkinScan3D
A new 3D imaging tool called SkinScan3D helps doctors monitor Kaposi sarcoma lesions more accurately and quickly, especially in settings with high KS burden like East Africa and in U.S. clinics with HIV patients.
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Rapid, bedside KS diagnosis in Africa with KS-COMPLETE
A fast, point-of-care test using skin biopsies to diagnose Kaposi’s sarcoma in sub-Saharan Africa, helping patients get results in about an hour.
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Kaposi Sarcoma care and research in Africa during ART era
A collaborative program to better understand and improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Kaposi sarcoma for people living with HIV in Zambia and Tanzania.
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Kaposi Sarcoma in Africa: ART Era Research Network
A collaborative program in Africa and the United States will study Kaposi sarcoma in people living with HIV on ART to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
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.