Understanding how KSHV avoids the immune system
Official title: Immune Evasion Mechanisms of KSHV Complement and Fc-Receptor Proteins
Funded at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso · NIH-11080041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Kaposi sarcoma virus hides from our immune system so that we can find better treatments for cancers it causes, and it involves creating a version of the virus that can help us learn more about how it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Paso, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AI159139-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma or KSHV-related B-cell lymphomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers not related to KSHV may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) evades the human immune system, which is crucial for developing effective treatments. The team is using advanced techniques to create a modified version of the virus that lacks a specific protein involved in immune evasion. By studying this modified virus, researchers aim to uncover how KSHV interacts with immune defenses and to identify potential therapeutic targets. This work is particularly important as KSHV is linked to several cancers, including Kaposi sarcoma and certain B-cell lymphomas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating KSHV-related cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on immune evasion by other herpesviruses has shown promise, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso
El Paso, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muniraju, Murali Bagalur — Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso
- Study coordinator: Muniraju, Murali Bagalur
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How KSHV hides from the immune system via complement and Fc-receptor proteins
Researchers are looking at how the virus that causes Kaposi sarcoma (KSHV) uses complement and Fc-receptor proteins to hide from the immune system, to help people with KSHV-related cancers.
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.