HIV Integration Modulates Immune Regulation in Cancer

This project seeks to determine whether a novel mechanism may be in part responsible for the high incidence of HPV-associated cancers in persons with HIV infection. Using a unique cohort of HIV-infected women with cervical dysplasia in Uganda, we will characterize the frequency, sites and immunologic impact of HIV integration into host genes associated with cancer and cellular proliferation by comparing dysplastic cervical tissue from women who have squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix with women who spontaneously regress high-grade dysplasia. The knowledge gained from this proposal could directly improve therapeutic approaches to secondary prevention and treatment of HPV-associated cancers worldwide.