Investigating how IL-27 can help treat eye infections caused by herpes virus

Il-27-mediated immunoregulation in HSV-1 induced stromal keratitis

NIH-funded research North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11166660

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Raleigh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11166660 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from recurrent herpetic stromal keratitis or those at risk of developing this condition.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Raleigh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.