Understanding how a specific protein affects immune response in certain cancers caused by papillomavirus

Investigating the mechanism of K17-mediated immunosuppression in papillomavirus-induced cancers

NIH-funded research Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-10885642

This study is looking at how a protein called keratin 17 helps HPV-related cancers hide from the immune system, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatments for patients battling these types of cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHenry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-10885642 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the protein keratin 17 (K17) contributes to immune suppression in cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). By using a mouse model of papillomavirus infection, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that allow K17 to help the virus persist and evade the immune system. The findings could lead to new therapeutic targets that enhance cancer immunotherapy treatments for patients with HPV-related cancers. The research focuses on understanding the tumor microenvironment and how it can be manipulated to improve patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with HPV-related cancers, such as anal or cervical cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers not associated with HPV or those who do not have a significant immune response may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy options for patients with HPV-related cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding immune suppression mechanisms in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anal CancerAnal CancersAnus CancerBreast Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.