Understanding how human cytomegalovirus infects different cell types
Official title: Defining the Impact of Entry Pathways on the Outcome of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10996481 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects different types of cells to understand why it sometimes causes active infections and other times stays hidden, which could help improve treatments for people with HCMV infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2024 |
| Project end | September 21, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,073 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI186494-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996481 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of cytomegalovirus infection or those at risk for complications related to HCMV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with cytomegalovirus or those who do not have risk factors for HCMV-related complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects various types of cells, focusing on the differences between differentiated and undifferentiated cells. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow the virus to establish either a lytic infection, which produces infectious particles, or a latent infection, which does not. By examining the role of specific viral proteins and their interactions with cellular components, the research seeks to clarify why HCMV behaves differently in different cell types. This could lead to insights into how to better manage or treat infections caused by this virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or treating human cytomegalovirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding viral infections through similar mechanisms, but this specific approach to HCMV is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wisdom, Esther Lynne — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Wisdom, Esther Lynne
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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.