Drugs that block HPV from copying its DNA
Small Compound Inhibitors Targeting HPV Genome Replication
Developing small-molecule drugs that stop HPV from replicating to help people with HPV-linked cancers like anal and cervical cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239001 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing and testing small chemical compounds that interfere with a human protein called BRD4 which HPV uses to copy its DNA. They will test these compounds in HPV-infected human cell lines and in laboratory models to see if the virus can be prevented from replicating. Successful compounds will be examined further in preclinical experiments to check safety and how well they work. The goal is to create medicines that could one day be given to people with HPV-driven cancers or persistent HPV infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HPV-driven cancers or persistent high-risk HPV infections (for example cervical, anal, or some head-and-neck cancers) would be the eventual candidates for therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: People whose tumors are not caused by HPV or whose disease is unrelated to HPV replication are unlikely to benefit from these specific drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new antiviral drugs that reduce HPV replication and potentially slow or prevent HPV-driven cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Related BRD4/BET inhibitors have shown promise in lab studies and early cancer research, but using them specifically to block HPV replication is relatively new and still preclinical.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiang, Cheng-Ming — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chiang, Cheng-Ming
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 below.