CAV2 and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: To elucidate the influence of host Cav2 on HNSCC initiation, we employed the 4-NQO-induced HNSCC mouse model, a 16-week exposure to 4-NQO culminates in the emergence of hyperplasia and dysplasia, progressing to invasive squamous cell carcinoma by weeks 20-2523.