Understanding how KSHV affects the immune system and cancer risk
Official title: Defining KSHV LANA functions in viral pathogenesis and immune evasion
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11127429 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a virus linked to Kaposi sarcoma affects the immune system and cancer development in people with AIDS, using a special virus model to learn more about how it hides in the body and might increase cancer risk, which could help improve treatments for those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $477,807 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181787-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127429 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with AIDS who are at risk for KSHV infection and related cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have AIDS or are not at risk for KSHV infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in immune evasion and cancer development, particularly in individuals with AIDS. By using a chimeric virus model that combines KSHV genes with a related virus that can infect mice, the researchers aim to uncover how KSHV manipulates host cell functions and establishes long-term infections. The study focuses on a specific viral protein, kLANA, which is crucial for maintaining the virus in a latent state and may influence cancer risk. Patients may benefit from insights gained into KSHV's mechanisms, potentially leading to improved treatments or preventive strategies for those at risk of KSHV-related cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of KSHV-related cancers in patients with AIDS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using chimeric virus models to study viral pathogenesis, indicating that this approach has potential for yielding valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forrest, James Craig — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Forrest, James Craig
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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.