Abstract

Human papilloma virus (HPV) has emerged as a primary cause of cervical cancer worldwide. HPV is a relatively small (55 nm in diameter) and non-enveloped virus containing approximately 8 kb long double stranded circular DNA genome. To date, 228 genotypes of HPV have been identified. Although all HPV infections do not lead to the development of malignancy of cervix, only persistent infection of high-risk types of HPV (mainly with HPV16 and HPV18) results in the disease. In addition, the immunity of the patients also acts as a key determinant in the carcinogenesis. Since, no HPV type specific medication is available for the patient suffering with cervical cancer, hence, a deep understanding of the disease etiology may be vital for developing an effective strategy for its prevention and management. From the immunological perspectives, the entire mechanisms of disease progression still remain unclear despite continuous efforts. In the present review, the recent developments in immunology of HPV-mediated cervix carcinoma were discussed. At the end, the prevention of disease using HPV type specific recombinant vaccines was also highlighted.

摘要

人乳头瘤病毒 (HPV) 已成为全球宫颈癌的主要原因。HPV 是一种相对较小（直径为 55 nm）的无包膜病毒，包含大约 8 kb 长的双链环状 DNA 基因组。迄今为止，已鉴定出 228 种 HPV 基因型。虽然并非所有的 HPV 感染都导致宫颈恶性肿瘤的发展，但只有持续感染高危型 HPV（主要是 HPV16 和 HPV18）才会导致该疾病。此外，患者的免疫力也是致癌的关键决定因素。由于没有针对宫颈癌患者的 HPV 类型特异性药物，因此，深入了解疾病病因对于制定有效的预防和管理策略至关重要。从免疫学的角度来看，尽管不断努力，疾病进展的整个机制仍不清楚。在本综述中，讨论了 HPV 介导的宫颈癌免疫学的最新进展。最后，还强调了使用 HPV 型特异性重组疫苗预防疾病。