Understanding how HPV helps head and neck cancer evade the immune system
Official title: Immune receptor degradation for immune evasion of head and neck cancer
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11073198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the HPV virus helps head and neck cancers avoid the immune system, focusing on a protein called MARCHF8 that makes it harder for the immune system to fight the cancer, and it aims to find new ways to improve treatments that boost the immune response against these cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $642,488 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE033797-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with HPV-negative head and neck cancers may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which human papillomavirus (HPV) contributes to the immune evasion of head and neck cancers. It focuses on the role of a protein called MARCHF8, which is activated by HPV and leads to the degradation of important immune receptors on cancer cells. By studying this process, the researchers aim to identify potential therapeutic targets that could enhance the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies. The approach includes laboratory experiments that manipulate MARCHF8 levels in cancer cells to observe changes in immune receptor expression and T cell responses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies for patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting immune evasion mechanisms in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pyeon, Dohun — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Pyeon, Dohun
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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.