Investigating how HSV-1 microRNAs affect eye infections and treatment.
HSV-1 Encoded MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Ocular Herpes
This study is looking at how the herpes virus that causes eye infections can hide from the immune system, and it aims to find new ways to treat these infections by blocking certain viral molecules, which could help people who have ocular herpes feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11012409 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1), which causes common eye infections known as ocular herpes. The study aims to understand how HSV-1 uses microRNAs to evade the immune system and persist in the body. By examining the expression of these viral microRNAs during infection and reactivation, researchers hope to uncover their roles in disease progression and immune response. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies using synthetic oligonucleotides to target and inhibit these microRNAs, potentially improving treatment outcomes for affected patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from recurrent ocular herpes infections.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of viral infections or those without a history of ocular herpes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for ocular herpes, reducing the severity and frequency of infections.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting viral microRNAs for therapeutic purposes, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shukla, Deepak — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Shukla, Deepak
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 below.