Understanding how HTLV-1 hides inside immune cells to drive ATLL
Official title: Myeloid Intracellular Clearance as a Targetable Mechanism of Viral Persistence
Funded at University of Mississippi Med Ctr · NIH-11590582 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is studying how HTLV-1 makes monocytes and macrophages harbor the virus, with the goal of finding ways to restore the body’s own ability to clear it and slow ATL/ATLL progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Mississippi Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jackson, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2026 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $145,276 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM144041-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11590582 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include adults with HTLV-1 infection or ATL/ATLL, and researchers can recruit participants for primary cell studies or related sampling.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HTLV-1 infection or ATL/ATLL may not directly benefit from this project.
What this research studies
This COBRE project focuses on how HTLV-1 reprograms myeloid cells to evade the immune system and persist in the body. Researchers will use primary human cells, viral mutants, and single-cell RNA profiling to map the pathways that disrupt intracellular clearance. The aim is to identify host-directed strategies that can restore phagolysosomal maturation, autophagy, and inflammasome activity to eliminate the virus. By understanding these mechanisms, the study seeks to develop approaches that could enhance innate immune responses against HTLV-1. The work is designed to translate laboratory findings into potential therapeutic strategies for ATL/ATLL patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new treatments that help the immune system clear HTLV-1 and improve outcomes for people with ATL/ATLL.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies in viral persistence and myeloid cell biology have shown promise with similar approaches, but this project tests novel mechanisms and targets.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Mississippi Med Ctr
Jackson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moles, Ramona — University of Mississippi Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Moles, Ramona
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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.