Investigating how herpes simplex virus reactivation may relate to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Role for UL12.5 and nucleic acid sensing in Phase I HSV reactivation
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10991803 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the herpes virus can wake up in nerve cells and how this might be connected to Alzheimer's disease, with the goal of finding new ways to stop the virus from reactivating, which could help people with Alzheimer's.
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 | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,065 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI171544-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991803 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing symptoms of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or those not affected by herpes simplex virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind the reactivation of the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in neurons, which is linked to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to identify how certain proteins, specifically UL12.5 and DLK, influence the expression of viral genes during the reactivation process. By mapping these interactions, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets to prevent HSV reactivation, which could have implications for Alzheimer's disease progression. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how HSV contributes to their condition and potential new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent HSV reactivation, potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between HSV and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield meaningful insights, although the specific mechanisms being investigated are novel.
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.