Monday, 9 July 2018 | 12:00 noon
Infections and Cancer Biology Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer World Health Organization, Lyon, FRANCE
Human papillomaviruses and carcinogenesis: well- established and novel models
(Host: M. Giacca)
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infect the cutaneous or mucosal epithelia and are classified phylogenetically as genera and species. Persistent infections by the mucosal high-risk (HR) HPV types from genus alpha are associated with cancer development of the genital and upper respiratory tracts. The products of two early genes, E6 and E7, are the major HR HPV oncoproteins, being essential in all steps of the carcinogenic process. Cutaneous beta HPV types are proposed, together with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, to promote skin squamous cell carcinoma.
However, in contrast to the HR HPV types, beta HPV types appear to be required only at an early stage of carcinogenesis, facilitating the accumulation of UV-induced DNA mutations. Findings in in vitro and in vivo experimental models also suggest that beta HPV types and other carcinogens may synergize in the induction of additional malignancies. Data in supporting the association of beta HPV types with human carcinogenesis will be presented.