Understanding how the herpes virus hides and reactivates in nerve cells
HSV latency and reactivation in a human sensory neuronal model system
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA · NIH-11101340
This study is looking at how the herpes virus can hide in your body and then come back to cause problems, with the goal of finding better ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11101340 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the Herpes Simplex Virus-1 (HSV-1), which can remain dormant in nerve cells and later reactivate, causing painful lesions and other complications. The study aims to develop better model systems to understand the virus's latency and reactivation mechanisms, which are crucial for creating new antiviral therapies. By using innovative in vitro models, the researchers hope to uncover the molecular processes involved in HSV latency, paving the way for effective treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of HSV infections, particularly those experiencing recurrent outbreaks.
Not a fit: Patients who have never been infected with HSV or those with other unrelated viral infections may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent HSV reactivation, reducing the incidence of painful outbreaks and transmission.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research on HSV, this approach using advanced in vitro models to study latency is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA — CHARLOTTESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CLIFFE, ANNA RUTH — UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
- Study coordinator: CLIFFE, ANNA RUTH
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 below.