How HPV-targeting immune cells affect immunotherapy responses in HPV-positive head and neck cancer
Mechanistic connection between HPV-specific TCRs and therapeutic responses to ICI in HPV+ HNSCC
This project looks at whether specific HPV-targeting T cells help people with HPV-positive head and neck cancer respond better to immune checkpoint drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306668 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to let researchers study tumor and blood samples from people with HPV-positive head and neck cancer who received immune checkpoint therapy. The team will map T cell receptors (TCRs) that recognize different HPV proteins (for example E2, E6, and E7) and compare the breadth and depth of those responses with patients' treatment outcomes. They will also test selected TCRs in mouse models to see which HPV-directed T cells control tumors or work together with checkpoint drugs. Combining human clinical samples and laboratory models aims to reveal which HPV-specific immune responses help or limit immunotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, especially those treated with or being considered for immune checkpoint inhibitors or willing to provide tumor or blood samples, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with HPV-negative head and neck cancer or those not eligible for immunotherapy or unable to provide tissue or blood samples are unlikely to be included or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help predict who will benefit from checkpoint inhibitors and guide development of HPV-targeted T-cell therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical and laboratory work shows HPV-positive tumors can respond well to anti-PD1 and that HPV-specific T-cell approaches (mostly targeting E7) have promise, but directly linking specific HPV-TCR patterns—including E2 responses—to immunotherapy outcomes is a newer, mechanistic question.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jing Hong — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Wang, Jing Hong
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.