Creating a model to study how oral HPV and HIV infections can lead to throat cancer

Development of a Rhesus Macaque Model of Persistent Oral HPV and HIV Co-infection to Study Oropharyngeal Cancer Induction

NIH-funded research Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11065525

This study is looking at how long-lasting oral HPV infections and HIV together might lead to throat cancer, using Rhesus macaques to help us understand how these infections work and what they do in the body.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Orleans, United States)
Project IDNIH-11065525 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a Rhesus macaque model to investigate the interactions between persistent oral HPV infections and HIV co-infection, which may lead to oropharyngeal cancer. By using this animal model, researchers will explore how these infections persist and contribute to cancer development, addressing a significant gap in understanding the mechanisms involved. The study will utilize advanced techniques to analyze the progression of HPV-induced lesions and their relationship with HIV-induced immunosuppression. This innovative approach could provide insights that are currently lacking in human studies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are co-infected with HPV and HIV, particularly those at risk for oropharyngeal cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HPV or HIV, or those who do not have a risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for oropharyngeal cancer in individuals with HPV and HIV.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has successfully modeled HPV infections in animal models, indicating that this approach has potential for yielding valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

New Orleans, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome VirusAnogenital cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.