Understanding how the immune response affects vision loss in herpes infections
Official title: Receptor Usage and Regulation of the Immune Response in HSV Infection
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10908709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the immune system reacts to herpes infections that can cause long-term eye problems and vision loss, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with these eye issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,748 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI173600-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced recurrent herpes simplex virus infections, particularly those with ocular symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of herpes simplex virus infections or related ocular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the immune response to herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) infections, particularly focusing on how these infections can lead to chronic inflammation and vision loss. The study uses a murine model to explore the roles of specific cellular factors, PILRA and HVEM, in the development of herpes stromal keratitis, a condition that can cause severe vision impairment. By understanding the immune mechanisms involved, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to mitigate the damage caused by HSV-1 infections. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatments for ocular herpetic diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent vision loss in patients suffering from herpes-related eye infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding immune responses in viral infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Longnecker, Richard M — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Longnecker, Richard 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.