Immunology of the human papilloma virus in relation to cancer

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been associated with benign and malignant epithelial proliferations in either skin or mucosa. Two HPV oncogenic proteins, E6 and E7, are important in the induction and maintenance of cellular transformation and are co-expressed in the majority of HPV-containing carcinomas. Therefore, vaccines targeted to these proteins may provide an opportunity to prevent and treat HPV-associated malignancies. The encouraging results from recent experimental vaccination systems in animal models suggest that continued exploration in these systems might lead to trials on human subjects and might allow us to prevent HPV infection or control its potentially life-threatening consequences.