How HPV helps head and neck cancer avoid the immune system
Official title: Membrane Ubiquitin Ligase-Driven Immune Evasion in HPV+ Head and Neck Cancer
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-10995141 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how HPV helps head and neck cancer hide from the immune system and is exploring a specific protein that plays a role in this process, with the hope of finding new treatment options for patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2024 |
| Project end | August 15, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $46,848 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DE034281-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995141 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancers or those with other unrelated cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the human papillomavirus (HPV) contributes to the progression of head and neck cancer by helping the cancer cells evade the immune system. The study focuses on a specific protein, MARCHF8, which is found to degrade important immune receptors on cancer cells, preventing them from being recognized and attacked by the immune system. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms behind this immune evasion and explore the potential of inhibiting autophagy as a new treatment approach for patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that enhance the immune response against HPV-positive head and neck cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting immune evasion mechanisms in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vu, Lexi — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Vu, Lexi
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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.