Human Papillomaviruses: Are we Ready to Break Through?

ABSTRACT

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the most common sexually transmitted viruses in the world. HPVs are responsible for a large array of diseases, both benign and malignant. Interest in HPVs has increased greatly in recent years because of evidences that infection with these viruses is etiopathologically related to the development of precancerous lesions of the cervix. More recently, the use of the molecular virology methods to establish HPV infection, and prospective epidemiologic studies has demonstrated convincingly that HPVs play a central role in the vast majority of cervical cancer cases. Therefore, it is important to understand the natural history of HPV infection, molecular mechanisms of viral regulation, factors that may influence transmissibility, persistence, and/or progression to neoplasia. This review discusses some molecular aspects of the HPV nature, as well as the present status of the specific viral diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HPV infection and disease. Currently, many studies focus on the HPV life cycle and intimate pathogenic mechanism(s) of HPV-produced diseases. Nevertheless, prospective studies are needed to gain more relevant knowledge, which can be used to combat the infection more effectively. In the same time, the advent of modern molecular techniques has led to rapid advances in the HPV diagnostic and prognostic capabilities.