Understanding how the chickenpox virus hides in nerve cells
Official title: Mechanisms of Varicella Zoster Virus Latency in Human Sensory Neurons
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11015024 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the chickenpox virus hides in our nerves after we get chickenpox and how it can wake up later to cause problems like shingles, with the goal of finding better treatments for people dealing with pain and other issues from this virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | January 24, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,547 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI183368-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015024 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced chickenpox or shingles and are at risk for complications like post-herpetic neuralgia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have never had chickenpox or are not at risk for shingles may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the varicella zoster virus (VZV) remains dormant in human sensory neurons after causing chickenpox. It aims to develop new experimental models to better understand the virus's behavior and its reactivation, which can lead to serious complications like shingles and encephalitis. By studying the virus's interaction with human cells, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment options for patients suffering from post-herpetic neuralgia and other related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for conditions caused by the varicella zoster virus, significantly improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding viral latency and reactivation, but this approach is novel in its focus on human sensory neurons.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venkatesan, Arun — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Venkatesan, Arun
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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.