Prevention and treatment of papillomavirus-related cancers through immunization

• Published in: Annual review of immunology Vol. 29; no. 1; pp. 111 - 138
• Main Authors: Frazer, Ian H, Leggatt, Graham R, Mattarollo, Stephen R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 23-04-2011
• Subjects: Animals; Cancer Vaccines - immunology; Human papillomavirus; Humans; Neoplasms - immunology; Neoplasms - prevention & control; Neoplasms - virology; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections - immunology; Papillomavirus Infections - prevention & control; Papillomavirus Infections - virology; Papillomavirus Vaccines - immunology
• ISSN: 0732-0582; 1545-3278
• DOI: 10.1146/annurev-immunol-031210-101308

Cervical and other anogenital cancers are initiated by infection with one of a small group of human papillomaviruses (HPV). Virus-like particle-based vaccines have recently been developed to prevent infection with two cancer-associated HPV genotypes (HPV16, HPV18) and have been ∼95% effective at preventing HPV-associated disease caused by these genotypes in virus-naive subjects. Although immunization induces virus-neutralizing antibody sufficient to prevent infection, persistence of antibody as measured by current assays does not appear necessary to maintain protection over time. Investigators have not identified a reliable surrogate immunological marker of protection against disease following immunization. The prophylactic vaccines are not therapeutic for existing infection. Trials of HPV-specific immunotherapy have shown some efficacy for existing disease, although animal modeling suggests that a combination of immunization and local enhancement of innate immunity may be necessary for optimal therapeutic outcome. HPV prophylactic vaccines are the first vaccines designed to prevent a human cancer and are the practical outcome of a global collaborative effort between basic and applied scientists, clinicians, and industry.