Understanding how HPV-specific T cells affect treatment responses in head and neck cancer

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between HPV-specific T cell receptors and how they influence the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) associated with HPV infection. By analyzing human samples from clinical trials and using mouse models, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that determine why some patients respond well to treatment while others do not. The focus is on the immune responses to different HPV antigens, particularly the roles of T cells that target these antigens. This could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with HPV+ HNSCC.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  Pittsburgh, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Wang, Jing Hong — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
• Study coordinator: Wang, Jing Hong

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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• Data-driven classification of aggressive tissue traits to predict cancer outcomes in HPV-negative head and neck cancer

  A clinician-science grant uses data science and AI to identify tissue patterns in HPV-negative head and neck cancer that may predict how long patients stay cancer-free.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11505841

• HNSCC, iron addiction, and potential iron-targeted therapies

  This grant explores how head and neck cancer cells become dependent on iron and whether targeting iron pathways could lead to new treatments for patients with recurrent or metastatic disease.

  NIH research Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, United States · NIH-11441057

• Targeting SREBP2 to boost radiation therapy in HPV-negative head and neck cancer

  This grant aims to see if blocking SREBP2 can make radiation therapy work better for people with HPV-negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

  NIH research Indiana University Indianapolis · Indianapolis, United States · NIH-11427724

• Axelopran added to pembrolizumab for frontline recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer

  A new treatment approach combines axelopran with pembrolizumab for people with PD-L1 positive recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer to see if it improves response.

  NIH research Glycyx Mor, INC. · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11418514

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.