Targeting lymphomas caused by Epstein-Barr virus
Targeting EBV-associated lymphomas
Researchers will try blocking a protein called FAM72A to stop Epstein-Barr virus from helping certain B-cell lymphomas grow in people with EBV-positive lymphoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11190938 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at tumors linked to Epstein-Barr virus to understand how the protein FAM72A helps the virus cause lymphoma. The team will examine human tumor samples and use laboratory cell and animal models to see what happens when FAM72A is reduced or blocked. They will test drugs or molecular approaches in these models to see if stopping FAM72A slows tumor growth. Results will guide whether similar approaches could be brought into future patient trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with EBV-positive non-Hodgkin lymphomas—such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, EBV-positive DLBCL, NK/T-cell lymphoma, or Burkitt lymphoma—are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are EBV-negative or whose cancers are driven by other mechanisms are unlikely to benefit from an FAM72A-targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new targeted treatments that slow or stop EBV-driven lymphomas.
How similar studies have performed: Some EBV-directed therapies (like virus-specific immune cell therapies) have helped certain patients, but targeting FAM72A is a newer strategy with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damania, Blossom a — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Damania, Blossom a
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.