Investigating how IL-27 can help treat eye infections caused by herpes virus
Official title: Il-27-mediated immunoregulation in HSV-1 induced stromal keratitis
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11166660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment for people with herpetic stromal keratitis, a painful eye condition caused by the herpes virus, by using a special substance called IL-27 to help boost the immune system's ability to fight the virus and reduce inflammation, aiming for better results and fewer side effects than current options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $386,146 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034495-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11166660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from recurrent herpetic stromal keratitis or those at risk of developing this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of eye infections or those who do not have a history of HSV-1 infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK), a painful eye condition caused by recurrent herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infections that can lead to blindness. The study aims to develop a new immunotherapy using IL-27, a cytokine that can enhance the body's antiviral and anti-inflammatory responses. By targeting specific immune cells, the research seeks to reduce inflammation and improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from HSK. The approach involves understanding how the immune system can be modulated to fight the virus more effectively while minimizing side effects associated with current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for patients with herpetic stromal keratitis, potentially reducing the risk of blindness.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using IL-27 for HSK is novel, similar immunotherapy strategies have shown promise in other viral infections and inflammatory conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina State University Raleigh
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suryawanshi, Amol — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Suryawanshi, Amol
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.