Understanding how local antibodies control chronic genital herpes
Official title: Role of local antibodies in control of chronic genital herpes
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11026421 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain antibodies in the body can help manage chronic genital herpes caused by the HSV-2 virus, focusing on the immune responses in the affected tissues to find new ways to control the infection better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | February 5, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $839,751 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI178284-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11026421 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are infected with HSV-2 and experience recurrent outbreaks.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HSV-2 or those who do not experience recurrent outbreaks may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of local antibodies in managing chronic genital herpes caused by the herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). It focuses on the immune responses occurring in the tissue microenvironment rather than just in the bloodstream, aiming to uncover critical mechanisms that help control the virus. By analyzing tissue samples over time and utilizing advanced single-cell RNA sequencing, the study seeks to identify unique antibody-secreting cells that may play a significant role in fighting HSV-2 reactivation. This approach could lead to new insights into how the immune system can better manage this persistent infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for controlling chronic genital herpes and enhancing patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of studying local humoral responses is relatively novel, previous research has indicated the importance of local immune mechanisms in controlling viral infections.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sholukh, Anton M — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Sholukh, Anton 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.