Investigating the Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus and its effects on immune-suppressed individuals
Official title: KSHV Infection And Persistence
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11187699 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus affects people with weakened immune systems, like those with AIDS, to find new ways to treat related diseases, and we may ask patients to help by sharing samples or information.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $877,104 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI189319-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11187699 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living with HIV/AIDS, particularly those experiencing or at risk for KSHV-related cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not immunocompromised or do not have a history of KSHV infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), which is linked to several malignancies, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with AIDS. The study aims to understand how KSHV persists in the body and contributes to diseases like Kaposi's sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma. By examining the virus's behavior in infected cells, particularly B cells, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic targets. Patients may be involved in providing samples or data to help elucidate the virus's mechanisms and its impact on health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies for KSHV-related malignancies, improving outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While KSHV research is ongoing, this specific approach to understanding its persistence and impact on immune-suppressed individuals is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaye, Kenneth M — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kaye, Kenneth M
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.