[Vaccination against human papillomavirus infections]
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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Use of Interferon-γ Enzyme-linked Immunospot Assay to Characterize Novel T-cell Epitopes of Human Papillomavirus
Published on: March 8, 2012
Jean-Luc Prétet1, Eva Alvarez, Sylvain Monnier-Benoit
1*EA3181, IFR 133, université de Franche-Comté, laboratoire de biologie cellulaire et moléculaire, CHU Jean-Minjoz, 25030 Besançon. jean_luc.pretet@univ-fcomte.fr
Abstract:
The aim of vaccination against human papillomaviruses is to fight against benign lesions as well as cancers. Two vaccine strategies have been developed: therapeutic vaccines that induce cytotoxic T cells with the ability to eliminate infected/tumoral cells, and prophylactic vaccines that induce the production of neutralizing antibodies preventing HPV to infect their target cells. While the therapeutic strategies give good results in mouse model, their efficiency in human remains to be demonstrated. In contrast, data regarding prophylactic vaccines, already promising in animal models, show a significant benefit as no HPV16 nor 18 associated high grade lesions of the cervix occurred in vaccinated subjects participating to ongoing clinical trials. Who is going to vaccinate? What is the best target population to vaccinate, at which age? With or without a booster? And what about developing countries? Several issues remain to be addressed for an efficient implementation of HPV vaccination.
Insights
Prophylactic vaccines against human papillomaviruses (HPV) show significant cervical lesion reduction in clinical trials. Further research is needed to optimize HPV vaccination strategies and global implementation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Virology
Context:
- Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are linked to benign lesions and cancers.
- Two main vaccine strategies exist: therapeutic and prophylactic.
- Therapeutic vaccines aim to eliminate infected cells, while prophylactic vaccines prevent infection.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of HPV vaccination strategies.
- To compare therapeutic and prophylactic vaccine approaches.
- To identify challenges in implementing HPV vaccination globally.
Summary:
- Prophylactic HPV vaccines have demonstrated significant benefits, with no high-grade cervical lesions observed in vaccinated individuals in clinical trials.
- Therapeutic vaccine strategies show promise in animal models but require further human efficacy studies.
- Key questions remain regarding optimal vaccination age, target populations, booster requirements, and accessibility in developing countries.
Impact:
- Prophylactic HPV vaccination offers a promising strategy for preventing HPV-associated cancers.
- Addressing implementation challenges is crucial for maximizing the public health impact of HPV vaccines.
- Further research will refine vaccination protocols and ensure equitable access worldwide.
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