How high-risk HPV hides from the immune system
Project 1 - Characterize the Mechanism by Which Papillomaviruses Evade Host Immunity
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11322127
Looking at how certain HPV types hide from the immune system to help people at risk for anal and cervical cancers, especially people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11322127 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a new mouse model that can turn on HPV16 cancer genes in immune-competent animals to mimic how HPV causes tumors in people. They are studying a host protein the virus triggers that helps it persist and avoid immune attack, and how that same protein can make cancers less responsive to immune checkpoint therapies. The team will focus especially on anal cancer because its occurrence is rising, particularly among people living with HIV, and will also study how estrogen affects persistent infection. The goal is to connect findings in mice with human HPV-related cancers to point toward better prevention or treatment approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at high risk for HPV-related anogenital cancers — including those living with HIV or with persistent HPV infections — would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without HPV-related disease or those with cancers not driven by HPV are unlikely to directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new ways to prevent persistent HPV infections or improve immunotherapy for HPV-related anal, cervical, and head and neck cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse studies and human tumor observations support the proposed mechanism and its link to immunotherapy resistance, but translating these findings into patient treatments remains an active and developing area.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAMBERT, PAUL F. — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: LAMBERT, PAUL F.
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Anal Cancer, Anogenital Human Papilloma Virus Infection, Anogenital Human papillomavirus Infection