Understanding why some people with herpes virus encephalitis get sick more badly
Official title: Inborn errors of immunity underlying herpes simplex encephalitis
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11586342 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re studying why certain people, including kids and adults, develop severe brain inflammation from herpes simplex virus and whether genetic or immune factors explain why vaccines don’t prevent it yet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | April 6, 2010 |
| Project end | January 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $429,424 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AI088364-17 |
| Project ID | NIH-11586342 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adults with herpes simplex encephalitis or a history suggesting immune/genetic risk factors
✕Less likely to help
People without HSV-1 encephalitis or those not connected to the identified risk groups may not benefit.
What this research studies
This research looks at why herpes simplex virus type 1 sometimes causes brain swelling and lasting problems, especially in children and older adults. Researchers have already identified several genetic and immune system factors that can make someone more vulnerable, and they are continuing to search for additional causes. The team uses genetic analysis and immune:system profiling to understand how the body’s defenses respond to the virus in the brain. The goal is to uncover targets for better prevention or treatment in people who might be at higher risk. The work combines patient data, laboratory studies, and collaboration across hospitals to translate findings into patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better prevention, earlier diagnosis, and more targeted treatments for people with HSV-1 encephalitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has identified several genetic and immune pathways linked to HSE, with ongoing discoveries suggesting more etiologies.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Casanova, Jean-Laurent — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Casanova, Jean-Laurent
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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.