Understanding how a virus affects B cells during chronic infection
Official title: Uncovering the proviral role of B cell-intrinsic STAT1 expression during chronic gammaherpesvirus infection
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11162590 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called STAT1 affects B cells during a long-lasting virus infection, similar to Epstein Barr virus, to help us understand how these infections might lead to cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI191670-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11162590 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of chronic viral infections, particularly those related to B cell lymphomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic viral infections or related B cell disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, STAT1, in B cells during chronic infection with a virus related to Epstein Barr virus. By using a mouse model, the study aims to uncover how this protein influences the virus's ability to persist and potentially lead to cancer. The researchers will explore the mechanisms by which the virus interacts with B cells, which are crucial for the immune response, to better understand the development of related cancers. This could provide insights into how chronic infections can lead to malignancies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cancers associated with chronic viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of viral infections in cancer development, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johansen, Erika R — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Johansen, Erika R
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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.