Creating a model to study how oral HPV and HIV infections can lead to throat cancer
Official title: Development of a Rhesus Macaque Model of Persistent Oral HPV and HIV Co-infection to Study Oropharyngeal Cancer Induction
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11065525 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $209,987 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DE033875-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065525 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are co-infected with HPV and HIV, particularly those at risk for oropharyngeal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Traina-Dorge, Vicki L — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Traina-Dorge, Vicki L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.