Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Cancer Institute awarded the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill $394,214 under the Cancer Biology Research program (CFDA 93.396) to develop novel animal models and cell culture reagents for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-driven cancers. The project, which commenced May 19, 2026 and concludes April 30, 2028, will generate a transgenic mouse model and supporting cell lines to address critical gaps in existing EBV cancer research. Unlike current immunodeficient models that lack full viral genome representation, the deliverables will include fully immunocompetent transgenic mice carrying the complete EBV genome, enabling comprehensive study of viral transcription, microRNAs, and proteins in vivo.

The research specifically targets EBV-associated epithelial lineage cancers such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric cancer, for which no adequate animal models currently exist. The novel cell lines and transgenic models will facilitate therapy evaluation using small molecules and immune modulators (PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors), while reducing animal testing through preliminary assessment of therapeutics targeting conserved virus-host interactions. These deliverables are intended to support bench-to-bedside translation of novel cancer treatments by providing immunocompetent preclinical platforms unavailable through existing model systems.