Investigating how HSV-1 affects eye pressure and glaucoma damage
Official title: HSV-1 reactivation and glaucomatous trabecular meshwork damage
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10783757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the herpes virus might affect eye pressure and contribute to glaucoma, with the hope of finding new treatments that could help people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $191,045 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY034295-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10783757 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 and those at risk for glaucoma or experiencing elevated intraocular pressure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a history of HSV-1 infection or those who do not have glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and glaucoma, particularly how HSV-1 reactivation may contribute to damage in the trabecular meshwork, which is crucial for regulating eye pressure. The study focuses on the role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and fibronectin extra domain A (FN-EDA) in this process. By examining how HSV-1 interacts with these pathways, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to increased intraocular pressure and potential blindness. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for glaucoma linked to viral infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing glaucoma and preventing vision loss associated with HSV-1.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between HSV-1 and ocular inflammation, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into glaucoma treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdowell, Colleen Mary — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Mcdowell, Colleen Mary
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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.