Understanding how vocal fold infections lead to communication issues in children
Official title: Disruption of vocal fold epithelial homeostasis by injury and papillomavirus infection
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11137958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how injuries to the vocal cords in kids might help the HPV virus cause a condition called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), which leads to growths that can affect their voice, and it aims to find ways to better manage and prevent this issue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $110,266 |
| NIH project number | 1K99DC021983-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are experiencing voice issues or have been diagnosed with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or do not have vocal fold issues related to HPV infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a condition caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) that leads to growths on the vocal folds, affecting voice function and communication in children. The study aims to explore how injuries to the vocal folds may allow HPV to establish infections that result in RRP. By using a mouse model, researchers will examine the relationship between vocal fold injury and the development of chronic HPV infections. The findings could provide insights into better management and prevention strategies for this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive measures for children suffering from communication disorders due to RRP.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding viral infections and their interactions with host tissues can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: King, Renee — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: King, Renee
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.