Adaptive immune resistance in HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) types associated with head and neck cancer generally induce a robust immune response. Despite the establishment of such an inflammatory microenvironment, HPV is able to persist and promote malignant transformation. The PD-1:PD-L1 immune checkpoint may play a critical role in the creation of an immunoprivileged site for viral persistence and the subsequent development of cancer.

Keywords: :

• head and neck cancer
• HPV
• immune checkpoints
• PD-1
• PD-L1

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.