Prophylactic and Therapeutic HPV Vaccines: Current Scenario and Perspectives

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a primary cause of cervical and other cancers.
• Current screening and surgical methods have limitations, particularly in underdeveloped regions.
• Prophylactic HPV vaccines (bivalent, quadrivalent, nonavalent) prevent approximately 90% of HPV infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification, mechanisms, and clinical effects of current and emerging HPV vaccines.
• To explore therapeutic vaccine strategies for treating existing HPV infections and lesions.
• To stimulate new ideas for improving HPV vaccine development and application.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of prophylactic and therapeutic HPV vaccines.
• Analysis of vaccine mechanisms, focusing on L1-VLPs and E6/E7 oncoproteins.
• Evaluation of clinical effects for disease prevention and treatment.

Main Results:

• Prophylactic vaccines demonstrate high efficacy in preventing HPV infections.
• Existing prophylactic vaccines show limited therapeutic effect on established infections.
• Therapeutic vaccines targeting E6/E7 oncoproteins activate cellular immunity, offering a potential treatment approach.

Conclusions:

• While prophylactic HPV vaccines are highly effective, therapeutic vaccines are crucial for managing existing infections.
• Targeting viral oncoproteins like E6/E7 is a promising strategy for therapeutic HPV vaccines.
• Further research and development are needed to improve the efficacy and application of HPV vaccines for both prevention and treatment.