Understanding how human cytomegalovirus infects different cell types

Defining the Impact of Entry Pathways on the Outcome of Human Cytomegalovirus Infection

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10996481

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 typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10996481 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of cytomegalovirus infection or those at risk for complications related to HCMV.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

Madison, 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 CMV infectionCytomegalic Inclusion Disease
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.