Worldwide, 15% of all cancer cases and nearly 25% of cancer cases in developing countries are attributable to viruses. Human cancers associated with virus infection include human papillomavirus, human T-cell leukemia virus type 1, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated human herpesvirus (KSHV). Of these, KSHV is the leading cause of death in HIV-infected individuals. Infection of KSHV is estimated to account for 34,000 new cancer cases globally. Efforts to develop a KSHV vaccine are limited, due to lack of animal model to test the potential vaccine candidates. Through collaborations, we now have access to common marmosets, a non-human primate model that support KSHV infection and develop skin lesions typical in infected individuals. We have also developed a virus-like particle platform to display KSHV envelope glycoprotein antigens as candidate vaccines that has potential to prevent or treat KSHV infection and its associated malignancies.

Public Health Relevance

Several human cancers are attributable to viruses. Every year, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated human herpesvirus (KSHV) accounts for 34,000 new cancer cases worldwide. We propose to use a combination of novel virus-like particles, labeled KSHV, and newly developed animal model to study how KSHV infection occurs. Our findings will be essential to developing new therapeutics and vaccines to treat and prevent KSHV- associated diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01CA184388-02
Application #
8904637
Study Section
Subcommittee G - Education (NCI)
Program Officer
Davani, Behrous
Project Start
2014-08-05
Project End
2019-07-31
Budget Start
2015-08-01
Budget End
2016-07-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$109,027
Indirect Cost
$6,605
Name
University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
603847393
City
Worcester
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01655
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