How HPV gets into human cells
Mechanisms of human papillomavirus entry
This project looks at the steps human papillomavirus (HPV) uses to enter cells so new ways to stop infections and HPV-related cancers can be developed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160546 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists at Yale are examining the molecular steps HPV takes to enter human cells, focusing on the virus capsid protein L2 and a cellular transport system called retromer. They use laboratory experiments with human-derived cells, viral particles, and engineered peptides that can penetrate cells to observe how the virus moves from the cell surface into the cytoplasm. The team builds on prior discoveries showing retromer and a cell-penetrating peptide are involved in HPV entry and will map those interactions to identify points where drugs could block infection. This is laboratory-based, mechanistic work intended to reveal targets for future therapies or prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this lab project does not enroll patients, its results would be most relevant to people with existing HPV infections, genital warts, or HPV-related precancerous conditions.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical treatment or those with health issues unrelated to HPV are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or strategies that block HPV infection and reduce HPV-related cancers and warts.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work from this group and others has already shown that retromer and a cell-penetrating peptide play roles in HPV entry, so this project expands on published, paradigm-changing findings.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dimaio, Daniel C. — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Dimaio, Daniel C.
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.