Understanding how the herpes virus might contribute to Alzheimer's disease
Revealing the roles of HSV1 lytic and latent transcripts in AD pathogenesis and therapy
This research explores how the common herpes simplex virus (HSV1) might be connected to Alzheimer's disease by looking at brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126608 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into how the herpes simplex virus (HSV1), which can stay hidden in the body, might play a part in Alzheimer's disease. Recent findings suggest a link between reactivated HSV1 infection and Alzheimer's, but we don't fully understand why. Using advanced genetic tools, we will identify which specific brain cells harbor the virus in both healthy and Alzheimer's brains. This work will help us understand how the virus affects brain cells and contributes to the disease process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but future clinical applications would be relevant to individuals at risk for or living with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by Alzheimer's disease or those without a history of HSV1 infection may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease by targeting the herpes virus or its effects on the brain.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon provocative new data and recent findings that have begun to link HSV1 reactivation to Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenfeld, Michael G — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Rosenfeld, Michael G
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.