How cell signals shape HPV-related airway papillomas and vaccine response
Cell-Cell Signaling Driving HPV-Induced Respiratory Disease and Vaccine Response
This project looks at why some people with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (caused by HPV 6/11) respond to the PRGN-2012 vaccine while others do not by examining viral and cellular signals in their lesions and blood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309147 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze papilloma tissue and blood from people with RRP who have received the PRGN-2012 vaccine to identify cellular and viral features linked to response. They will use single-cell and molecular methods to measure HPV gene levels, proteins such as keratin 17 (K17), and chemokines like CXCL9-11 and CXCL8, and to map which immune and epithelial cell types are present and active. The team will directly compare samples from vaccine responders and non-responders to find patterns of immune reprogramming in specific cell subpopulations. Findings will be used to pinpoint biomarkers that predict response and suggest ways to improve vaccine effectiveness for non-responders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis caused by HPV types 6 or 11, especially those with severe or frequently recurring disease or who have received or may receive PRGN-2012, are the likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without RRP or without HPV 6/11 infection, and those not eligible for the vaccine or clinic visits, would not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help tailor or improve vaccine-based treatment so more people with RRP respond and require fewer surgeries.
How similar studies have performed: A prior phase 1 trial of the PRGN-2012 vaccine showed about a 50% response rate in severe RRP, so the vaccine approach has promising early results while the detailed biomarker-guided personalization is novel.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wells, Susanne I — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wells, Susanne I
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.