BK virus is a common infection that most people acquire during childhood. It usually causes no harm and can remain quietly present in the kidneys for years without causing an active infection. Kidney transplant patients need immunosuppressant drugs to prevent the immune system from attacking the transplanted kidney, but these drugs also make it less able to fight infections, which in some cases can allow BK virus to become active again. Currently, there is no effective treatment for BK virus infection other than reducing the level of immunosuppression to help the immune system fight the virus. This can lead to rejection and loss of the donated kidney, as the immune system may also target the transplanted organ.
The new project, led by Dr Peter Wing with Dr Matthew Bottomley, will investigate the relationship between BK virus and the kidney’s response to low oxygen. Through the £120,000 award, they aim to better understand this interaction and identify potential targets for future treatments.
Dr Wing said: “We’re delighted to receive this support from Kidney Research UK. This award gives us the opportunity to explore a new approach to understanding BK virus and identify potential new treatment targets.” Dr Bottomley added: “BK virus remains an important challenge for kidney transplant patients, and we hope this work will ultimately help improve the options available to them.”
The TAKA is a KRUK funding scheme designed to help accelerate scientific discoveries towards new therapies, devices, and diagnostics for kidney disease. Kidney Research UK is a leading kidney research charity in the UK, funding research aimed at improving the understanding, prevention and treatment of kidney disease.
The award will enable Dr Wing and Dr Bottomley to explore a potential new approach to tackling BK virus infection, addressing an important challenge for people living with a kidney transplant.
Read the full story on the KRUK website.