Understanding how HPV affects immune responses in cancer
Official title: HPV Attenuation of the cGAS/STING Pathway
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10898278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $42,094 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DE033884-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with HPV infections, particularly those at risk for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HPV infections or are not at risk for HPV-related cancers may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tobey, Isabelle — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Tobey, Isabelle
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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.