Investigating how interferon lambda helps fight skin infections
Official title: Antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of interferon lambda in the skin
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11045076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special protein called interferon lambda helps protect the skin from herpes virus infections while keeping inflammation in check, using mice to learn more about how it works and how it can prevent serious skin problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | March 13, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $594,722 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175708-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of herpes simplex virus infections or those at risk of developing severe skin lesions from such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of herpes simplex virus infections or related skin conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of type III interferons, specifically interferon lambda (IFN-λ), in providing antiviral immunity at the skin's surface. By using a mouse model of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, the study examines how IFN-λ can control infections without causing excessive inflammation. The researchers aim to understand how IFN-λ signaling in skin cells and immune cells can prevent severe skin disease associated with HSV-1, particularly focusing on its effects on neutrophil activity during infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance the body's ability to control skin infections with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with type III interferons in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lazear, Helen — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Lazear, Helen
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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.