Understanding how HPV16 hijacks human cells to replicate and spread
Official title: Functional dissection of a novel E2 complex critical for the HPV16 life cycle
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11572333 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist team is studying a key HPV16 protein and its interactions with human cells to find new ways to block the virus that can cause anogenital cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $768,308 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI189822-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11572333 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with or at risk for HPV16-related diseases, such as anogenital cancers, could benefit from future therapies informed by this basic research.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals or patients not affected by HPV16 may not directly benefit from this specific study.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the HPV16 E2 protein teams up with human proteins to help the virus copy its DNA and divide, which is part of how HPV can lead to cancer. By mapping the E2-host interactions, researchers aim to identify points where therapies could interrupt the viral life cycle. The study focuses on the E2-TOPBP1 relationship and how it influences DNA damage responses and viral replication in infected cells. Results could point to new targets for treatments that work alongside vaccines to reduce cancer risk. The work will be conducted at Virginia Commonwealth University with a dedicated team led by Iain Morgan.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could reveal new targets for therapies that limit HPV16 replication and help prevent HPV-related cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows HPV-host interactions are critical for viral replication, supporting the potential of targeting these interfaces; this area has promising but still early results.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morgan, Iain — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Morgan, Iain
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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.