Understanding how HIV medication affects oral HPV infection

The role of antiretroviral therapy in susceptibility to oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

NIH-funded research Lsu Health Sciences Center · NIH-11193516

This research explores if medications for HIV or HIV prevention might make people more likely to get oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionLsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Orleans, United States)
Project IDNIH-11193516 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

People living with HIV are at a higher risk for head and neck cancers caused by HPV, even when their HIV is well-managed with medication. Doctors have noticed that oral HPV infections and related problems might increase after starting HIV medication. This project aims to see if these medications could change the protective lining in the mouth, making it easier for HPV to take hold. We will compare oral HPV infection rates and examine mouth tissue in people taking HIV medication, those taking it for prevention, and individuals not on these medications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include people living with HIV who are taking antiretroviral therapy, individuals taking ART for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and healthy individuals not taking these medications.

Not a fit: Patients not taking antiretroviral therapy for HIV treatment or prevention may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand how to reduce the risk of oral HPV infection and related cancers for people taking HIV medications.

How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies using artificial tissue models have suggested a link, but these findings have not yet been confirmed in clinical studies with real patient samples.

Where this research is happening

New Orleans, 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 Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.