Projects per year
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) caused by infections with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are responsible for an increasing number of head and neck cancers, particularly in the oropharynx. Despite the significant biological differences between HPV-driven and HPV-negative HNSCC, treatment strategies are similar and not HPV targeted. HPV-driven HNSCC are known to be more sensitive to treatment, particularly to radiotherapy, which is at least partially due to HPV-induced immunogenicity. The development of novel therapeutic strategies that are specific for HPV-driven cancers requires tumor models that reflect as closely as possible the characteristics and complexity of human tumors and their response to treatment. Current HPV-positive cancer models lack one or more hallmarks of their human counterpart. This study presents the development of a new HPV16 oncoprotein-dependent tumor model in MHC-humanized mice, modeling the major biologic features of HPV-driven tumors and presenting HLA-A2-restricted HPV16 epitopes. Furthermore, this model was developed to be orthotopic (base of tongue). Thus, it also reflects the correct tumor microenvironment of HPV-driven HNSCC. The cancer cells are implanted in a manner that allows the exact control of the anatomical location of the developing tumor, thereby homogenizing tumor growth. In conclusion, the new model is suited to study HPV16-specific therapeutic vaccinations and other immunotherapies, as well as tumor-targeted interventions, such as surgery or radiotherapy, or a combination of all these modalities.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Article number | 188 |
Journal | Pathogens |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2023 |
Keywords
- head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- human papillomavirus
- orthotopic tumor model
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Development of an Orthotopic HPV16‐Dependent Base of Tongue Tumor Model in MHC‐Humanized Mice'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
Press/Media
-
Researcher from German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Reports Recent Findings in Human Papillomavirus (Development of an Orthotopic HPV16-Dependent Base of Tongue Tumor Model in MHC-Humanized Mice)
13/02/23
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Expert Comment
Student theses
-
Study of the immunomodulatory effects of irradiation on human papillomavirus-driven vs carcinogen-driven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Author: SCHIFFLERS, C., 15 Sept 2023Supervisor: MICHIELS, C. (Supervisor), Riemer , A. B. (External person) (Co-Supervisor), Gillet, N. (President), Lucas, S. (External person) (Jury), Wera, A. (Jury) & Oliveira, M. J. (External person) (Jury)
Student thesis: Doc types › Doctor of Sciences