Human Papillomaviruses: Research Priorities for the Next Decade

Trends The HPV life cycle is dependent on activation of DNA repair pathways as well as on epigenetic regulation of viral DNAs and proteins. The numbers of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers in the USA are rapidly increasing and may soon exceed those of cervical cancers. HPV 16 is the primary HPV type found in these cancers. Therapeutic DNA vaccines have shown efficacy in treating precancerous HPV-positive cervical lesions. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the causative agents of cervical, anal, and many oropharyngeal cancers. While prophylactic vaccines have been developed, uptake is low in the USA and other Western countries, and access is limited in less-developed countries. Several are emerging as crucial for future study. These include investigation of the mechanisms regulating infection and progression to cancer at both cervical and oropharyngeal sites because these appear to be distinct. HPV-induced cancers also may be susceptible to immune therapy, revealing opportunities for treating advanced cervical disease and reducing the morbidity of treatments for oropharyngeal cancers. We believe these areas are crucial focal points for HPV cancer research in the next decade.