Understanding how HTLV-1 virus spreads and assembles
Official title: Imaging of HTLV-1 by cryo-CLEM
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11099107 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $84,171 |
| NIH project number | 3R21DE032878-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099107 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals infected with HTLV-1 or those at risk of infection, particularly those with related health conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HTLV-1 or do not have related health conditions may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mansky, Louis M. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Mansky, Louis M.
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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.