Epidemiology and biology of cutaneous human papillomavirus

Abstract

Cutaneous human papillomaviruses (HPVs) include β- and γ-HPVs, in addition to a small fraction of α-HPVs. β-HPVs were first isolated from patients with the rare genetic disorder Epidermodysplasia verruciformis, and they are associated with the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer at sun-exposed skin sites in these individuals. Organ transplant recipients also have greater susceptibility to β-HPV infection of the skin and an increased risk of developing nonmelanoma skin cancer. In both immunosuppressed and immunocompromised individuals, cutaneous HPVs are ubiquitously disseminated throughout healthy skin and may be an intrinsic part of the commensal flora. Functional analysis of E6 and E7 proteins of specific cutaneous HPVs has provided a mechanistic comprehension of how these viruses may induce carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, additional research is crucial to better understand the pathological implications of the broad distribution of these HPVs.

The Role of Beta HPV Types and HPV-Associated Inflammatory Processes in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…After the initiation of the malignant process, E6 and E7 continue to play an essential role in the propagation of the carcinogenic process [54]. In contrast, beta HPV types are involved in the initiation of carcinogenesis but not in tumour persistence and tumour growth occurring in the absence of the viral genome [55]. E6 and E7 of both alpha and beta HPV types are involved in cell cycle alteration and inhibition of apoptosis [25].…”

“…Clinical and histopathological analysis showed that in the case of transplantation patients most of the cSCCs arise on common warts and are located especially on the sunexposed areas [55]. The immunosuppression and exposure to ultraviolet radiation are two factors with synergistic activity for the development of skin cancers [78].…”

High Risk α-HPV E6 Impairs Translesion Synthesis by Blocking POLη Induction

“…Human papillomaviruses are a large family of small double stranded DNA viruses that are divided into five genera (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, mu-and nu-papillomaviruses) [1]. Among these genera, members of the alpha-papillomavirus genus are most clearly connected to tumorigenesis [2,3]. Alpha-papillomaviruses are designated high-risk or low-risk based on their relative likelihood that their infections cause cancer [4].…”

Detection of Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Unclassified Human Papillomaviruses in Cervical Cancer Samples From Mexican Women

“…Even though the great majority of α-PVs infect mucosa in the anogenital epithelia, some viral genotypes from this genus were originally described as cutaneous, together with β-and γ -PVs. However, regarding β-PVs, it has been difficult to determine their individual role in cutaneous malignancies due to their high diversity and their dissemination throughout many tissues such as the skin, the oral cavity, the nasal mucosa, and the anogenital region (Nunes et al, 2018).…”