The potential use of therapeutics and prophylactic mRNA vaccines in human papillomavirus (HPV)

Fatemeh Movahed1, Satinik Darzi2, Parya Mahdavi3

  • 1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Virology Journal
|May 31, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Therapeutic mRNA vaccines targeting human papillomavirus (HPV) show promise for treating existing infections and cancers. These vaccines aim to elicit cell-mediated immune responses, offering a new approach beyond preventative HPV vaccinations.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a primary cause of cervical cancer (CC) and other malignancies.
  • Current HPV vaccinations significantly reduce CC risk but do not eliminate it and offer no treatment benefit for existing lesions.
  • Therapeutic vaccines inducing cell-mediated immunity are needed to treat established HPV infections and cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanism of action, recent clinical advancements, and therapeutic potential of mRNA vaccines against HPV and HPV-related cancers.
  • To summarize the current state of mRNA vaccine technology for HPV.
  • To identify challenges and future directions in mRNA HPV vaccination.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on HPV, mRNA vaccine technology, and clinical trials.
  • Analysis of the role of HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 as therapeutic targets.
  • Discussion of the potential of mRNA vaccines for HPV treatment.

Main Results:

  • mRNA vaccines demonstrate potential for rapid production, safety, and efficacy in combating viral diseases and malignancy.
  • HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 are identified as ideal targets for therapeutic HPV vaccines due to their consistent presence and crucial roles in disease progression.
  • Recent clinical trials show advancements in mRNA vaccine applications for HPV-related conditions.

Conclusions:

  • mRNA vaccines offer a promising therapeutic strategy for established HPV infections and cancers, complementing preventative vaccines.
  • Targeting HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 with mRNA technology holds significant potential for clinical applications.
  • Further advancements in mRNA vaccine technology are expected to accelerate clinical practice for HPV prevention and treatment.