Research: Human Papilloma Virus Infections of the Head and Neck

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infections of the head and neck result in significant disease for patients seen in otolaryngology. HPV infects the epithelial lining of the head and neck resulting in two disease processes. The first pathological process caused by HPV is the benign papilloma of the aerodigestive tract. These benign lesions can grow and spread requiring excision. In some cases, these papillomas can reappear requiring frequent excisions to prevent airway obstruction. In addition to papillomas, HPV infected aerodigestive tract epithelium has been implicated as a major factor in the oncogenesis of squamous cell cancer. As many as 60% of squamous cell cancers contain HPV DNA suggesting that HPV plays a role in the malignant transformation.

Our laboratory, with the support of a five-year grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), studies the human papilloma virus in many different ways. First, by collaborating with Dr. Elaine Smith in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Dr. Lubomir Turek in the Department of Pathology, we continue to link epidemiology data to the molecular analysis of the infected tissue in order to help us better understand how the HPV infection leads to cancer. In addition, we are determining the risk factors, other than the presence of the virus in specimens that may contribute to cancer pathogenesis. Second, a model, which can be used to simulate HPV infection in the laboratory, has been developed. This model should prove useful in helping us better understand HPV infection and may allow us to find a course of treatment for the viral infection. Finally, we are focusing on developing an animal model to test potential therapies and to study side affects prior to clinical trials.