A small-molecule ligand to the ZZ domain of p62, termed YOK-1104, was successfully used to induce p62 self-oligomerization, autophagic sequestration of its cargoes, and autophagosome biogenesis in HPV(-), in sharp contrast to HPV( + ) HNSCC. The gene discussed is SQSTM1; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.