Understanding how CMV keeps quiet or wakes up inside our cells
Official title: Molecular Aspects of Cytomegalovirus Latency
Funded at University of Guelph · NIH-11516887 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) hides in cells and what signals can make it reactivate, with the goal of helping people at risk of CMV-related illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Guelph NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Guelph, Canada) |
| Project start | December 1, 1984 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $324,000 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI021640-42 |
| Project ID | NIH-11516887 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with or at risk for CMV infection, especially those prone to viral latency or reactivation.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without CMV infection or those unlikely to experience reactivation may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will look at the cellular signals influenced by CMV microRNAs that control latency versus reactivation in infected cells. The work focuses on how these signals affect pathways like AKT and AP-1 to understand what triggers the virus to wake up. By identifying these key molecular switches, scientists hope to find targets for therapies that prevent reactivation in people who need it most. The project uses experiments in human cells to map these pathways and test potential interventions. This knowledge could inform future strategies to reduce CMV-related complications in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially clearer targets for therapies to prevent CMV latency from reactivating, which could lessen disease risk in vulnerable patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have begun to link CMV miRNAs to latency control, but direct mapping of signaling pathways remains an area of active research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Guelph
Guelph, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hancock, Meaghan H — University of Guelph
- Study coordinator: Hancock, Meaghan H
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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.