Targeting a protein to treat severe herpes eye infections
CXCR4: A potential therapeutic target in HSK
This project aims to understand how a specific protein called CXCR4 contributes to severe herpes eye infections, which can cause vision loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11089466 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Herpes stromal keratitis (HSK) is a serious eye infection caused by the herpes virus that can lead to blindness. When the herpes virus repeatedly infects the eye, certain immune cells build up in the cornea, causing damage. This research explores how a protein called CXCR4 helps these damaging immune cells stay in the eye and might also encourage new blood vessel growth, which can worsen the condition. By studying how CXCR4 works in the eye, especially in different layers of the cornea, we hope to find new ways to reduce the severity of these infections. The ultimate goal is to develop new treatments that prevent vision loss for people with herpes stromal keratitis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with herpes stromal keratitis (HSK) who may benefit from future treatments developed from this understanding.
Not a fit: Patients without herpes stromal keratitis or other related corneal inflammatory conditions may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications that reduce inflammation and prevent vision loss for people suffering from severe herpes eye infections.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of CXCR4 in other inflammatory conditions is known, its specific function as a therapeutic target in herpes stromal keratitis is a novel area of exploration.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suvas, Susmit — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Suvas, Susmit
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 below.