Understanding how EBV-infected B-cells resist attacks from natural killer cells
Official title: Systematic CRISPR Analysis of EBV Lymphoma Resistance Pathways to Natural Killer Cell Lysis
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11132956 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells infected with the Epstein-Barr virus can hide from the immune system in people with HIV/AIDS, using special technology to find out what makes them resistant, which could help develop better treatments for related cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $268,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI181873-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132956 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who are living with HIV/AIDS and have been diagnosed with EBV-related lymphomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV/AIDS or EBV-related lymphomas are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected B-cells evade destruction by natural killer (NK) cells, particularly in individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Using advanced CRISPR technology, the study aims to identify genetic factors that contribute to this resistance, focusing on how these B-cells change over time to avoid immune detection. By analyzing human lymphoblastoid cell lines, the research seeks to uncover new insights into the biology of EBV-related lymphomas and the immune response involved. This could lead to improved strategies for treating or preventing these cancers in affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating EBV-related lymphomas in patients with HIV/AIDS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using CRISPR technology to investigate immune responses, making this approach promising but still relatively novel in the context of EBV and NK cell interactions.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gewurz, Benjamin Elison — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gewurz, Benjamin Elison
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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.