Recent advances in HPV biotechnology: understanding host-virus interactions and cancer progression - a review

Abstract

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer among women globally, posing a significant mortality risk. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary instigator of cervical cancer development, often alongside coinfection with other viruses, precipitating various malignancies. This study aimed to explore recent biotechnological advances in understanding HPV infection dynamics, host interactions, and its role in oncogenesis. The gathered data shed light on HPV biology, host-virus interplay, viral coinfections, and cellular transformations leading to HPV-associated cancers. Recent years have seen the introduction of diverse vaccination strategies, including live attenuated, subunit, and DNA-based vaccines, complemented by innovative nanotechnology and plant-based products. Despite rich data addressing research inquiries, urgent calls echo for the implementation of contemporary screening and therapeutic modalities at clinical levels. Moreover, extensive public awareness campaigns are imperative to alleviate the burden of HPV-related diseases, emphasizing the necessity for proactive intervention strategies in combating this global health challenge.

Figure 1

Viral DNA is incorporated into the host genome to cause cervical and other HPV-associated malignancies, upset cellular homeostasis, and encourage oncogene activation.

Figure 2

The development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and cervical cancer is aided by viral integration, which disrupts the host cell cycle and oncogene expression.