Using the immune signal IL-27 to calm herpes-related corneal inflammation
Il-27-mediated immunoregulation in HSV-1 induced stromal keratitis
This project explores whether boosting the immune molecule IL-27 can lower both herpes virus activity and damaging inflammation in people with recurrent corneal herpes infections (herpetic stromal keratitis).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11312748 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on herpetic stromal keratitis, a painful corneal inflammation caused by recurrent HSV-1 that can lead to vision loss. The team is studying how IL-27, an immunoregulatory cytokine, affects macrophages and other immune pathways that drive inflammation and antiviral responses in the cornea. They use laboratory models of HSV-1 corneal infection and molecular studies of the cGAS–STING pathway and cell metabolism to test whether IL-27 can induce antiviral defenses while limiting harmful inflammation. The goal is to develop safer immunotherapy approaches that reduce reliance on long-term steroids and treat drug-resistant HSV-1 strains.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with recurrent HSV-1 infection of the cornea (herpetic stromal keratitis), especially those with repeated inflammation, scarring, or inadequate response to current antivirals and steroids.
Not a fit: People without HSV-1 corneal disease, with corneal damage from other causes, or whose vision loss is already irreversible are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce corneal inflammation and viral recurrence, lowering pain and the risk of vision loss while avoiding long-term steroid side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Related immunomodulatory strategies have shown mixed results in preclinical work, and targeting IL-27 is a relatively new approach that remains mainly at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suryawanshi, Amol — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Suryawanshi, Amol
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.