Immunological aspects of human papiloma virus (HPV) infection

Abstract

The human papilloma virus (HPV-human papilloma virus) can infect up to 80% of people, especially sexually active. The risk of infection and symptoms are different between the sexes. It is known that there are over 150 serotypes and these are grouped by their tropism. Although most infections follow a benign course, the persistent infection with certain serotypes may lead to the development of cancer. The serotypes 16 and 18 are involved in a severe form of injury, resulting in cancer, particularly cervical cancer. Serotypes 6 and 11 are described as causes of anogenital warts. The virus, approximately 8.000 bp, it installs itself in the cell and through the expression of oncoproteins E6 and E7 leading to inhibition of proteins such as p53 and pRB, important in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Current vaccines generate immunity against serotypes 6, 11, 16 and 18. The vaccine can be tetravalent (four serotypes 6, 11, 16 and 18) or bivalent (16, 18). Both have cross-protection against infection by serotypes not included in the vaccines, but have no therapeutic character. This study was proposed to review progress on the HPV infection, the immunological aspects and prophylactic vaccines available.