Understanding how viruses cause human cancers
Molecular Biology and Genetics of Human Tumor Viruses
Researchers are learning how viruses like papillomaviruses and herpesviruses cause and drive cancers to help develop targeted treatments and prevention for people affected by these cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322126 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This long-term program brings together multiple labs to study papillomaviruses and herpesviruses using molecular biology and genetics. Teams examine viral genes, how viruses change human cells, and the cellular pathways that allow tumors to form, using lab models and translational approaches. Researchers also look for viral or host targets that could be used for antiviral drugs, tumor-specific therapies, vaccines, or diagnostic tests. The collaborative structure shares data and methods across projects to speed discoveries that could benefit patients with virus-linked cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers known to be linked to human tumor viruses (for example certain HPV-related or herpesvirus-associated cancers) or those willing to donate tissue or samples for translational research are most likely to be involved.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not linked to papillomaviruses or herpesviruses, or whose care does not involve viral mechanisms, may not see direct benefits from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to virus-targeted therapies, vaccines, or diagnostic tools that prevent or improve treatment of virus-associated cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Related research has produced major successes such as HPV vaccines and some antiviral approaches for virus-associated cancers, though many specific viral mechanisms and targeted treatments remain under study.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lambert, Paul F. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Lambert, Paul F.
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 below.