Why Epstein–Barr virus leads to B cell lymphomas after organ transplant
Epstein Barr Virus Driven Mechanisms of Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease
This work looks for viral changes and immune differences that help explain why some organ transplant patients develop EBV-driven B cell lymphomas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139551 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient view, researchers will use blood and tissue samples from transplant recipients to compare viral genes and immune responses in people who do and do not develop post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). They will focus on specific EBV genes such as LMP1 and on how the virus changes host microRNA and immune cell behavior. The team will analyze samples from a multicenter biorepository and combine genetic, molecular, and immune profiling to find patterns linked to PTLD. Findings could point to biomarkers that identify higher-risk patients and suggest targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are solid organ transplant recipients (especially those with recent EBV infection or reactivation) who can donate blood or tissue samples at participating transplant centers.
Not a fit: People without a history of organ transplantation or without EBV-related disease are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify tests to predict PTLD risk and reveal targets for treatments that prevent or better treat EBV+ post-transplant lymphomas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies from this group have already linked specific LMP1 mutations and changes in host microRNAs to EBV+ lymphomas, and this work builds on those findings to expand understanding.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Olivia M — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Olivia M
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.