Investigating how Epstein-Barr virus affects B cells in the tonsils
Official title: Epstein-Barr Virus Driven Tonsillar Versus Peripheral B-cell One-Carbon Metabolic Network Remodeling
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11084469 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Epstein-Barr virus affects immune cells in the tonsils, which could help us understand and find new treatments for diseases linked to the virus, like Burkitt lymphoma and multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 6, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $508,476 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033907-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084469 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of Epstein-Barr virus infection or related lymphoproliferative disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of Epstein-Barr virus infection or related conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the interactions between the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and B cells in the tonsils, which are crucial for the virus's lifecycle. By examining how EBV alters the metabolic processes of these immune cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to various diseases associated with EBV, such as Burkitt lymphoma and multiple sclerosis. The research will involve analyzing the behavior of B cells in the tonsil microenvironment to identify potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for EBV-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for diseases linked to Epstein-Barr virus, potentially reducing the burden of conditions like Burkitt lymphoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding EBV's role in B cell malignancies, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gewurz, Benjamin Elison — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gewurz, Benjamin Elison
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeted therapies for glioblastoma in adults and kids
A large NIH program is exploring new brain cancer therapies, including drugs that reach the brain and work against glioblastoma in both children and adults.
-
Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
A large study will test whether taking rosuvastatin every day for a year can lower the chance of dangerous blood clots in people with cancer, without raising the risk of bleeding.
-
Preterm infant body composition and early-life health after NICU stay
This grant studies how body composition in very preterm babies relates to later brain development and risk of obesity or diabetes, with findings meant to improve care from NICU through early childhood.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Delivery (RESPOND) for Guatemala
A lightweight, AI-enabled prehospital training and triage program helps volunteer firefighters in Guatemala deliver faster, better care to trauma patients.
-
Rapid Emergency Skills for Prehospital Optimization and Notification in Guatemala
A mobile, AI-powered training and triage program helps volunteer emergency responders in Guatemala provide faster, safer trauma care and notify hospitals more quickly.
-
Understanding antibiotic allergy to improve care for patients
Scientists are testing new ideas to understand why some people develop severe allergic reactions to antibiotics and how to prevent or treat them.
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.