Keratinocytes and skin-resident T-cells: a new way to prevent HSV recurrences
Official title: Cross talk between keratinocytes and skin-resident T-cells influences HSV recurrence
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11377482 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center will explore how skin cells and resident immune cells talk to each other to prevent herpes simplex virus (HSV) from recurring in the skin.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 12, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $862,878 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI184778-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377482 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with genital HSV-2 infection or a history of recurrent HSV-2 outbreaks may be eligible, depending on the study’s sampling and tissue requirements.
✕Less likely to help
People without HSV-2 or those not meeting study tissue sample criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how skin keratinocytes and CD8 tissue-resident memory T cells at the skin surface communicate during HSV-2 reactivation. By uncovering the signals that drive rapid antiviral responses at the dermal-epidermal junction, researchers hope to identify new targets to reduce outbreaks. The work combines laboratory experiments with analysis of human tissue samples to understand why some people have frequent recurrences while others do not. If successful, findings could inform future strategies for vaccines or local therapies to boost skin defenses against HSV-2.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the mechanisms are clarified, patients could benefit from more effective prevention of HSV-2 recurrences and fewer symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown CD8 TRM cells are frontline defenders at barrier surfaces, supporting potential for translation of these insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Jia — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Jia
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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.