Human papillomavirus genotype 16 vaccines for cervical cancer prophylaxis and treatment

More than 11% of the global cancer incidence in females is due to human pap illomavirus (HPV) infections, with HPV genotype 16 the most prevalent viral type to infect the cervix. Vaccine strategies currently target HPV 16 gene s E6 and E7, constitutively expressed in cervical cancer cells, acid L1 and L2, HPV surface antigens. Recent developments in HPV vaccine research are reviewed. Most studies focus on vaccine models showing improved immunogenic ity or dual induction of both humeral and cellular systems. Preclinical stu dies show that (1) L1/E7 chimeric viral-like proteins induce both neutraliz ing Lf antibodies and E7-specific T cells; (2) rerouting a cytosolic tumor antigen into the endosomal/lysosomal compartment can improve the therapeuti c potency of DNA vaccines; and (3) accelerated E7 protein degradation leads to enhanced antigen presentation in the context of major histocompatabilit y complex class I. Clinical studies show that (1) HPV 16 E7 peptide vaccina tion can be safely delivered to patients with terminal disease; and (2) HPV -16 capsid proteins harbor at least one HLA-A*201 restricted cytotoxic T ly mphocyte (CTL) epitope. Curr Opin Oncol 2000. 12:466-473 (C) 2000 Lippincot t Williams & Wilkins. Inc.