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Development of a β-HPV vaccine: Updates on an emerging frontier of skin cancer prevention
Rohit Gupta1, Peter L Rady2, Hung Q Doan3
1Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small, non-enveloped, doublestranded DNA viruses. Over 200 subtypes of HPV have been identified, organized into five major genera. β-HPVs are a group of approximately 50 HPV subtypes that preferentially infect cutaneous sites. While α-HPVs are primarily responsible for genital lesions and mucosal cancers, growing evidence has established an association between β-HPVs and the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. Given this association, the development of a vaccine against β-HPVs has become an important topic of research; however, currently licensed vaccines only provide coverage for genital HPVs, leaving β-HPV infections and their associated skin cancers unaddressed. In this review, we summarize the current advances in β-HPV vaccine development, including progress made in preclinical testing and limited clinical data. We also discuss novel findings in the viral pathomechanisms involved in β-HPV cutaneous tumorigenesis that may play a large role in future vaccine development. We hope that synthesizing the available data and advances surrounding β- HPV vaccine development will not only lead to increased dedication to vaccine development, but also heightened awareness of a future vaccine among clinicians and the public.
Insights
Developing vaccines against beta human papillomaviruses (β-HPVs) is crucial for preventing skin cancers. Current research focuses on β-HPV vaccine advancements and understanding their role in cutaneous tumorigenesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology and Immunology
- Dermatology and Oncology
Background:
- Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) encompass over 200 subtypes, with β-HPVs primarily infecting skin.
- While α-HPVs are linked to mucosal cancers, β-HPVs are increasingly associated with cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas.
- Existing HPV vaccines target genital types, leaving β-HPV infections and associated skin cancers unprotected.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current progress in the development of vaccines targeting β-HPVs.
- To discuss novel findings in β-HPV pathomechanisms relevant to cutaneous tumorigenesis.
- To highlight the need for increased dedication and awareness regarding β-HPV vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical testing data for β-HPV vaccines.
- Analysis of limited available clinical trial data.
- Synthesis of research on viral pathomechanisms in β-HPV-induced skin cancers.
Main Results:
- Significant advances have been made in preclinical β-HPV vaccine development.
- Early clinical data, though limited, provides insights into vaccine efficacy and safety.
- New understanding of β-HPV tumorigenesis offers targets for future vaccine strategies.
Conclusions:
- The development of effective β-HPV vaccines is a critical unmet need for preventing skin cancers.
- Continued research into β-HPV pathomechanisms is essential for optimizing vaccine design.
- Increased awareness and dedicated efforts are necessary to bring β-HPV vaccines to fruition.
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