Why adenovirus causes long‑lasting cornea inflammation and scarring
Immunopathogenesis of Adenovirus Keratitis
This work looks at how adenovirus infections of the eye can lead to ongoing cornea inflammation and vision problems for people with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11259479 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine human corneal cells and tissue affected by adenovirus to see which immune signals remain after the virus is gone. They will use modern lab tools that read which parts of DNA are open and active (ATAC‑seq) and analyze immune cell responses such as neutrophils and monocytes. The team will compare samples from infected and post‑infectious corneas to identify persistent molecular patterns that might drive recurring inflammation and scarring. The findings are intended to point to targets for treatments to prevent long‑term vision problems after adenoviral eye infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who have had recent or recurrent adenoviral conjunctivitis/EKC or who have ongoing corneal inflammation after a confirmed adenovirus eye infection.
Not a fit: People whose eye issues are due to nonviral causes (for example allergies, bacterial infections, or unrelated eye diseases) are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to ways to prevent or reduce long‑term corneal inflammation, scarring, and vision loss after adenoviral eye infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies showed adenovirus triggers immune signals in cornea cells, but studying the persistent post‑infectious mechanisms in human tissue is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chodosh, James — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Chodosh, James
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.