Exploring how harmless viruses can help prevent cancer
Immunity to commensal papillomaviruses for cancer therapy
This study is looking at how harmless viruses in our bodies can help our immune system fight off early signs of skin cancer, and it's aimed at finding new ways to use our own defenses to keep us healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11067742 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of commensal papillomaviruses, which are typically harmless, in supporting immune responses and maintaining tissue health. By studying how these viruses interact with the immune system, the research aims to develop new strategies for cancer prevention, particularly in the skin and other barrier tissues. The approach involves using mouse models to understand how these viruses can activate T cells to target early cancerous changes while protecting normal tissues. This could lead to innovative therapies that harness the body's own immune system to fight cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who may be at risk for skin or other epithelial cancers.
Not a fit: Patients with existing advanced cancers or those who do not have a competent immune system may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new cancer prevention strategies that utilize the body's own immune responses to combat early malignant changes.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of commensal bacteria in health has been studied, the specific approach of using commensal viruses for cancer prevention is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Demehri, Shadmehr — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Demehri, Shadmehr
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.