Understanding how HPV16 causes oral cancer
Official title: Assessing human papillomavirus type 16 transforming vs productive infections in oral epithelia
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10782753 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the HPV16 virus behaves in the tonsils and how it might lead to oral cancer, using special lab techniques to better understand its effects on mouth cells, so it's aimed at helping people who want to know more about the risks of HPV and oral health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career 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) | $118,763 |
| NIH project number | 1K99DE033483-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10782753 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with HPV16 infections, particularly those at risk for developing oral cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HPV infections or those with other types of cancers unrelated to HPV16 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences between transforming and productive infections of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) in oral tissues, particularly focusing on the tonsils. The study employs advanced techniques such as three-dimensional oral epithelial cultures and single-cell transcriptomics to analyze how HPV16 interacts with different types of oral epithelial cells. By examining the lifecycle of HPV16 and its effects on host cells, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to oral cancer, which is increasingly prevalent in the U.S.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potentially new treatments for HPV-related oral cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding HPV infections and their role in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jackson, Robert — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Jackson, Robert
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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.