Targeting Latency Switch in EBV+ Lymphomas
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11543791 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aiming to switch Epstein-Barr virus in certain lymphomas from a quiet, hidden state to an active one so the immune system can better recognize and attack the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $661,584 |
| NIH project number | 7R37CA262517-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11543791 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with EBV-associated lymphomas, including Burkitt lymphoma and HIV-associated DLBCL, especially those with relapsed disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lymphomas not associated with EBV or those unlikely to respond to the specific epigenetic approach.
What this research studies
This project looks at EBV-associated lymphomas, which can hide from the immune system. It tests whether a drug called decitabine can change the virus's behavior inside tumor cells, making the cancer more visible to immune cells. The goal is to enhance T-cell–mediated killing of the cancer both in lab settings and in living models. If successful, this approach could lead to new treatment options for patients with EBV+ lymphomas, including those in resource-limited settings. The work involves high-throughput screening, epigenetic reprogramming, and studying interactions with EBV-specific T cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with EBV+ lymphomas could have a more effective immune-assisted therapy option leading to better outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show decitabine can induce EBV latency II/III antigens and sensitize tumors to EBV-specific T cells in latency I models, suggesting potential for translation.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roth, Lisa Giulino — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Roth, Lisa Giulino
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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.