ULK1 drives NDP52-mediated selective autophagic degradation of MHC-I to promote immune evasion in HPV-positive head and neck cancer
Lexi Vu, Nicholas S. Giacobbi, M. I. Khalil, Canchai Yang, Will Eckerman, Evelyn Gomez Recinos, Johnathon D. Garber, Hyomin Son, Prerna Chahal, Dara M Villa, Tasha Srivastava, Abigail Z. Bennett, Katie R. Martin, Craig C. Welbon, Caitlin S. Williamson, , Dohun Pyeon
This study identifies ULK1-driven autophagy as a mechanism by which HPV+ HNC cells degrade MHC-I, promoting immune evasion and tumor growth.
bioRxiv · Mar 18, 2026 · PreprintCancer Biology