Understanding how HPV affects immune responses in cancer

HPV Attenuation of the cGAS/STING Pathway

NIH-funded research University of Arizona · NIH-10898278

This study is looking at how the human papillomavirus (HPV) manages to hide from our immune system, especially focusing on a specific pathway that helps our body fight off viruses, to better understand how HPV can lead to long-lasting infections and cancers, particularly in the head and neck.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arizona NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, United States)
Project IDNIH-10898278 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the human papillomavirus (HPV) can evade the body's immune system, specifically focusing on the cGAS/STING pathway, which plays a crucial role in detecting viral DNA and initiating immune responses. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which HPV oncoproteins, particularly E6 and E7, disrupt this immune pathway, potentially leading to persistent infections and cancer development. By examining the interactions between HPV and the immune system, the research seeks to uncover new insights into how HPV-related cancers, especially head and neck cancers, develop and persist in the body.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with HPV infections, particularly those at risk for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HPV infections or are not at risk for HPV-related cancers may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating HPV-related cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding immune evasion by viruses can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Tucson, 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 CancerousCancersDNA Injury
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.