Role of human papillomaviruses in warts and cancer

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), a large family of small DNA tumour viruses, are unequivocally linked to the induction of benign warts and anogenital cancer. Mechanisms utilized by HPV oncoproteins identify p53 and pRB as important cellular controls. New techniques reveal that novel members of the HPV family may contribute to non-melanoma skin cancer development.