How HPV can lead to cancer
Defining Drivers of HPV-associated Carcinogenesis
This research looks at how HPV infections change cells, the immune system, and the microbiome so some infections develop into cancer, aiming to help people at risk of HPV-related cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142576 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team uses lab studies and an animal papillomavirus model that mimics human HPV infections to learn how the virus hides from immune defenses and becomes persistent. They examine the roles of hormones like estrogen, host genes, and the microbiome in driving progression from infection to precancer and cancer. The project compares findings from mouse models with analyses of human cells and tumor samples to find shared mechanisms. The goal is to identify biological targets that could lead to better prevention, diagnostics, or treatments for HPV-driven cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with persistent HPV infections, HPV-related precancers or cancers, or individuals willing to donate blood or tissue for research.
Not a fit: People without HPV infection or those with cancers not caused by HPV are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to prevent persistent HPV infections, improve immune-based treatments, or identify targets for therapies against HPV-driven cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown HPV can evade immunity and integrate into host DNA and mouse papillomavirus models reproduce many human disease features, but turning these insights into clinical treatments remains at an early stage.
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.