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Human papillomaviruses: diversity, infection and host interactions
1Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. AMCBRIDE@nih.gov.
Nature Reviews. Microbiology
|September 15, 2021
Summary
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are diverse viruses that infect specific host cells. This review explores their evolution, life cycle, and links to diseases like cancer.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are ancient viruses with nearly 450 sequenced types.
- HPVs infect stratified epithelia, co-evolving with their hosts.
- Most HPV infections are asymptomatic unless the immune system is compromised.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diversity and evolution of human papillomaviruses.
- To explore the infectious cycle and host interactions of HPVs.
- To examine the association of HPVs with various diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on HPV.
- Analysis of genomic data from 450 distinct HPV types.
- Exploration of viral replication strategies and host immune evasion mechanisms.
Main Results:
- HPVs exhibit significant diversity, with numerous types identified.
- Viral replication involves hijacking host cellular processes in dividing and differentiated cells.
- Some HPV types cause benign lesions, while others are linked to cancer development.
Conclusions:
- HPVs are highly successful viruses with complex interactions with their hosts.
- Understanding HPV diversity, evolution, and pathogenesis is crucial for disease prevention and treatment.
- Further research into host-virus interactions can elucidate disease mechanisms and inform therapeutic strategies.
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