Comparison of papillomavirus and immunodeficiency virus evolutionary patterns in the context of a papillomavirus vaccine

In contemplating a vaccine for human papillomaviruses (HPVs), it is importa nt to consider the evolutionary context in which such a vaccine would be de ployed. The human immunodeficiency virus, having been the subject of even m ore extensive study than HPV, shares certain salient features with regards to phylogenetic structure, and may serve as a model for contemplation of po ssible difficulties with HPV vaccination. However, there are also striking differences in the evolutionary potentials and histories of the viruses tha t permit an optimistic outlook for HPV. These similarities and differences, as well as their implications for vaccination studies, are reviewed. (C) 2 000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.