HLA control in the progression of human papillomavirus infections

Cellular immunity is likely to be of major importance for the clearance of inapparent or overt infections caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs). The highly polymorphic class I or class II human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules present HPV-derived peptides to cytotoxic (CD8 +) or helper (CD4 +) T lymphocytes bearing specific receptors and condition the immune responsiveness to HPV infections. Recent data point to a role of an altered expression of HLA molecules in the persistence of HPV-induced cervical premalignant lesions and their progression towards invasive carcinoma. Furthermore positive or negative associations of certain HLA alleles or haplotypes with cutaneous or cervical neoplasias have been found. These observations may have important implications in the design of therapy or vaccines aimed at eradicating cervical cancer.