Understanding how HTLV-1 virus spreads and assembles

Imaging of HTLV-1 by cryo-CLEM

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-11099107

This study is looking at how the Human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1) spreads between cells, which is important for understanding how it causes serious health issues, and it's using advanced imaging to learn more about this process to help improve our knowledge of the virus and its effects on people.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11099107 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the Human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1), which affects millions globally and is linked to serious health conditions like adult T-cell leukemia and other inflammatory diseases. The study focuses on how the virus propagates through cell-to-cell interactions, specifically examining the virological synapse, which is crucial for virus transmission. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms of virus assembly and spread, which have been challenging to study due to the virus's difficulty in cell culture. This could lead to a better understanding of HTLV-1's behavior and its impact on human health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals infected with HTLV-1 or those at risk of infection, particularly those with related health conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HTLV-1 or do not have related health conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and treating diseases associated with HTLV-1 infection.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown some success in understanding virus transmission through cell interactions, but this specific approach to studying HTLV-1 is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.