Understanding how herpes simplex virus type 1 changes its DNA during infection
Official title: Modulation of herpes simplex virus type 1 genome structure during lytic replication
Funded at Duquesne University · NIH-10495222 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the herpes virus changes its DNA while it’s inside our cells, with the goal of finding new ways to understand how it works and affects people, so we can improve treatments for those with HSV-1.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duquesne University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $207,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI166879-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10495222 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 or are at risk of infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have herpes simplex virus type 1 or are not at risk of infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), a common virus that affects many people. It focuses on how the virus's DNA structure changes during its life cycle inside human cells, particularly in the nucleus where the virus replicates. The researchers aim to develop new methods to map the DNA structure of HSV-1 and understand how it interacts with the host's cellular machinery during infection. By studying these processes, the research seeks to uncover the mechanisms that influence the outcome of HSV-1 infections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating or preventing infections caused by herpes simplex virus type 1.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been some research on viral DNA structure, this approach to mapping the HSV-1 genome during infection is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dembowski, Jill Ann — Duquesne University
- Study coordinator: Dembowski, Jill Ann
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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.