Stress-related signals triggering herpes relapses in nerve cells
Official title: Stress-Mediated Regulation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) Reactivation from Latency.
Funded at Oklahoma State University Stillwater · NIH-11360239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how stress hormones can wake up herpes from latency in nerve cells and what this means for people who get recurrent eye or brain infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma State University Stillwater NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stillwater, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $389,793 |
| NIH project number | 2R01NS111167-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with HSV-1 infection who experience recurrent reactivation and symptoms such as ocular disease or encephalitis may benefit from future therapeutic advances.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or those without HSV-1-related disease are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how stress-related signals turn on latent HSV-1 in trigeminal neurons, using mouse models to mimic human reactivation. They will examine the roles of glucocorticoid receptors and pioneer transcription factors like KLF4 and KLF15 in activating viral genes. The work aims to understand why stress increases viral shedding and to identify key steps in the reactivation process that could be targeted in future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new strategies to prevent herpes reactivation and reduce recurrences in people.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in mice show that glucocorticoid signaling influences HSV-1 reactivation, supporting the approach as promising but still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma State University Stillwater
Stillwater, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Clinton J — Oklahoma State University Stillwater
- Study coordinator: Jones, Clinton J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Iron and scar-forming cells in the lungs (IPF)
Researchers are exploring how iron in the lungs may drive the scarring seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and whether this could lead to new therapies.
-
Understanding how a calcium sensor helps Pseudomonas infections resist the immune system
This project looks at how the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses a calcium sensor to survive and cause infections in people with conditions like cystic fibrosis.
-
ERK1/2 signaling and SARS-CoV-2 immune dysregulation in the lung
Aims to see if blocking ERK1/2 in immune cells can reduce dangerous lung inflammation from SARS-CoV-2 and boost antiviral defenses.
-
OADDL Testing Support for Vet-LIRN (Veterinary Network)
A veterinary diagnostic lab in Oklahoma will support national animal health surveillance and testing programs by handling clinical samples, animal feeds, environmental samples, and necropsies to help keep animal health and food safety safer.
-
How social life affects cognitive health in older adults in rural and urban areas
A study following older adults in rural and urban areas to see how social networks and daily activities relate to thinking skills over time.
-
Biophysical view of how enzymes work to help fight cancer
A scientist is studying how enzymes work on a deep, molecular level to help design better cancer drugs with fewer side effects.
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.