The Rockefeller University

Characterizing the Immunomodulatory Role and Transcriptional Impact of Human Pegivirus (HPgV) Infection in Blood and Plasma

Purpose

Human Pegivirus (HPgV) is an RNA virus that infects humans and typically causes no symptoms. Some studies suggest that the virus may regulate immune function in beneficial ways—for example it has been associated with slower disease progression in HIV and improved survival in Ebola infection. HPgV can persist in the blood for long periods. Recent data suggest it may also be detectable in the central nervous system.This study aims to discover how HPgV infection affects the immune system. We will first develop a digital PCR test to detect viral RNA in blood plasma. We will screen healthy adults and a small group of adults with Parkinson’s disease because HPgV has recently been detected in the brains of individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Qualifying study participants will be invited to participate in a follow-up phase lasting about 6 months.Participants will donate blood about every 4 weeks. We will measure two things: (1) whether the virus is detectable and how much of it is present in different blood components and (2) how the virus changes the activity of the immune system. We will sequence RNA in blood cells and circulating RNA fragments to understand which genes change in response to virus presence. We will also monitor standard immune laboratory markers.This research may clarify how HPgV influences immunity and whether it alters inflammatory pathways. The results could eventually guide the development of virus-inspired therapies for inflammatory or immune-mediated diseases.