High-risk HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 and their interplay with the innate immune response: Uncovering mechanisms of immune evasion and therapeutic prospects.

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) tumor viruses causally associated with 5% of human cancers, comprising both anogenital and upper aerodigestive tract carcinomas. Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines, HPVs continue to pose a significant global health challenge, primarily due to inadequate vaccine access and coverage. These viruses can establish persistent infections by evading both the intrinsic defenses of infected tissues and the extrinsic defenses provided by professional innate immune cells. Crucial for their evasion strategies is their unique intraepithelial life cycle, which effectively shields them from host detection. Thus, strategies aimed at reactivating the innate immune response within infected or transformed epithelial cells, particularly through the production of type I interferons (IFNs) and lymphocyte-recruiting chemokines, are considered viable solutions to counteract the adverse effects of persistent infections by these oncogenic viruses. This review focuses on the complex interplay between the high-risk HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 and the innate immune response in epithelial cells and HPV-associated cancers. In particular, it details the molecular mechanisms by which E6 and E7 modulate the innate immune response, highlighting significant progress in our comprehension of these processes. It also examines forward-looking strategies that exploit the innate immune system to ameliorate existing anticancer therapies, thereby providing crucial insights into future therapeutic developments.

Molecular mechanisms of human papilloma virus related skin cancers: A review.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) belongs to the Papillomaviridae family of viruses which includes small, double-stranded DNA viral agents. Approximately 90% of HPV infections occur asymptomatically and resolve spontaneously. However, infection with high-risk viral strains can lead to the development of preneoplastic lesions, with an increased propensity to become cancerous. The location of these malignancies includes the oral cavity, cervix, vagina, anus, and vulva, among others. The role of HPV in carcinogenesis has already been demonstrated for the aforementioned neoplasia. However, regarding skin malignancies, the mechanisms that pinpoint the role played by HPV in their initiation and progression still elude our sight. Until now, the only fully understood mechanism of viral cutaneous oncogenesis is that of human herpes virus 8 infection in Kaposi sarcoma. In the case of HPV infection, however, most data focus on the role that beta strains exhibit in the oncogenesis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), along with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and other environmental or genetic factors. However, recent epidemiological investigations have highlighted that HPV could also trigger the onset of other non-melanocytic, for example, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and/or melanocytic skin cancers, for example, melanoma. Herein, we provide an overview of the role played by HPV in benign and malignant skin lesions with a particular focus on the main epidemiological, pathophysiological, and molecular aspects delineating the involvement of HPV in skin cancers.

Unveiling the Role of Human Papillomavirus in Urogenital Carcinogenesis a Comprehensive Review.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), an oncogenic DNA virus, is the most common sexually transmitted virus and significant public health concern globally. Despite the substantial prevalence of HPV infection among men, routine testing remains elusive due to the lack of approved HPV tests and the complexity of detection methods. Various studies have explored the link between HPV and genitourinary cancers, revealing different associations influenced by geographic variation, histological subtype and methodological differences. These findings underscore the importance of further research to elucidate the role of HPV in male urogenital cancers. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate relationship between HPV and male genitourinary cancers, shedding light on the virus's oncogenic mechanisms and its reported prevalence. A deeper understanding of HPV's implications for male health is essential for advancing public health initiatives and reducing the burden of urogenital cancers worldwide.

Human Papillomavirus and Associated Cancers: A Review.

The human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. Most HPV infections clear spontaneously within 2 years of infection; however, persistent infection can result in a wide array of diseases, ranging from genital warts to cancer. Most cases of cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers are due to HPV infection, with cervical cancer being one of the leading causes of cancer death in women worldwide. Screening is available for HPV and cervical cancer, but is not available everywhere, particularly in lower-resource settings. HPV infection disproportionally affects individuals living with HIV, resulting in decreased clearance, increased development of cancer, and increased mortality. The development of the HPV vaccine has shown a drastic decrease in HPV-related diseases. The vaccine prevents cervical cancer with near 100% efficacy, if given prior to first sexual activity. Vaccination uptake remains low worldwide due to a lack of access and limited knowledge of HPV. Increasing awareness of HPV and access to vaccination are necessary to decrease cancer and HPV-related morbidity and mortality worldwide.

Microhomology-mediated repair machinery and its relationship with HPV-mediated oncogenesis.

Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are a diverse family of non-enveloped dsDNA viruses that infect the skin and mucosal epithelia. Persistent HPV infections can lead to cancer frequently involving integration of the virus into the host genome, leading to sustained oncogene expression and loss of capsid and genome maintenance proteins. Microhomology-mediated double-strand break repair, a DNA double-stranded breaks repair pathway present in many organisms, was initially thought to be a backup but it's now seen as vital, especially in homologous recombination-deficient contexts. Increasing evidence has identified microhomology (MH) near HPV integration junctions, suggesting MH-mediated repair pathways drive integration. In this comprehensive review, we present a detailed summary of both the mechanisms underlying MH-mediated repair and the evidence for its involvement in HPV integration in cancer. Lastly, we highlight the involvement of these processes in the integration of other DNA viruses and the broader implications on virus lifecycles and host innate immune response.

Human papillomavirus infection: Epidemiology, biology, host interactions, cancer development, prevention, and therapeutics.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. It is caused by the HPV, a DNA virus that infects epithelial cells in various mucous membranes and skin surfaces. HPV can be categorised into high-risk and low-risk types based on their association with the development of certain cancers. High-risk HPV types, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, are known to be oncogenic and are strongly associated with the development of cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. These types of HPV can persist in the body for an extended period and, in some cases, lead to the formation of precancerous lesions that may progress to cancer if left untreated. Low-risk HPV types, such as HPV-6 and HPV-11, are not typically associated with cancer but can cause benign conditions like genital warts. Genital warts are characterised by the growth of small, cauliflower-like bumps on the genital and anal areas. Although not life-threatening, they can cause discomfort and psychological distress. HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be transmitted through non-penetrative sexual activities that involve skin-to-skin contact. In addition to sexual transmission, vertical transmission from mother to child during childbirth is possible but relatively rare. Prevention of HPV infection includes vaccination and safe sexual practices. HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil and Cervarix, are highly effective in preventing infection with the most common high-risk HPV types. These vaccines are typically administered to adolescents and young adults before they become sexually active. Safe sexual practices, such as consistent and correct condom use and limiting the number of sexual partners, can also reduce the risk of HPV transmission. Diagnosis of HPV infection can be challenging because the infection is often asymptomatic, especially in men. In women, HPV testing can be done through cervical screening programs, which involve the collection of cervical cells for analysis. Abnormal results may lead to further diagnostic procedures, such as colposcopy or biopsy, to detect precancerous or cancerous changes. Overall, HPV infection is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection with significant implications for public health. Vaccination, regular screening, and early treatment of precancerous lesions are key strategies to reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases and their associated complications. Education and awareness about HPV and its prevention are crucial in promoting optimal sexual health. This study aimed to carry out a literature review considering several aspects involving HPV infection: Global distribution, prevalence, biology, host interactions, cancer development, prevention, therapeutics, coinfection with other viruses, coinfection with bacteria, association with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, and association with anal cancer.

Human Papillomavirus Is Rare and Does Not Correlate with p16INK4A Expression in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in a Jordanian Subpopulation.

Background and Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) was previously investigated in lung cancer with wide inter-geographic discrepancies. p16INK4a has been used as a surrogate for detecting high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) in some cancer types. This study assessed the evidence of HPV in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) among Jordanian patients, investigated the expression of p16INK4a, and evaluated its prognostic value and association with HPV status. Materials and Methods: The archived samples of 100 patients were used. HPV DNA detection was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). p16INK4a expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The Eighth American Joint Committee on Cancer protocol (AJCC) of head and neck cancer criteria were applied to evaluate p16INK4a positivity considering a moderate/strong nuclear/cytoplasmic expression intensity with a distribution in ≥75% of cells as positive. Results: HPV DNA was detected in 5% of NSCLC cases. Three positive cases showed HR-HPV subtypes (16, 18, 52), and two cases showed the probable HR-HPV 26 subtype. p16INK4a expression was positive in 20 (20%) NSCLC cases. None of the HPV-positive tumors were positive for p16INK4a expression. A statistically significant association was identified between p16INK4a expression and the pathological stage (p = 0.029) but not with other variables. No survival impact of p16INK4a expression was detected in NSCLC cases as a group; however, it showed a statistically significant association with overall survival (OS) in squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC) cases (p = 0.033). Conclusions: This is the first study to assess HPV and p16INK4a expression in a Jordanian population. HPV positivity is rare in NSCLC among a Jordanian subpopulation. P16 INK4a reliability as a surrogate marker for HPV infection in lung cancer must be revisited.

Human Papillomavirus-Induced Chromosomal Instability and Aneuploidy in Squamous Cell Cancers.

Chromosomal instability (CIN) and aneuploidy are hallmarks of cancer. CIN is defined as a continuous rate of chromosome missegregation events over the course of multiple cell divisions. CIN causes aneuploidy, a state of abnormal chromosome content differing from a multiple of the haploid. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-known cause of squamous cancers of the oropharynx, cervix, and anus. The HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes have well-known roles in carcinogenesis, but additional genomic events, such as CIN and aneuploidy, are often required for tumor formation. HPV+ squamous cancers have an increased frequency of specific types of CIN, including polar chromosomes. CIN leads to chromosome gains and losses (aneuploidies) specific to HPV+ cancers, which are distinct from HPV- cancers. HPV-specific CIN and aneuploidy may have implications for prognosis and therapeutic response and may provide insight into novel therapeutic vulnerabilities. Here, we review HPV-specific types of CIN and patterns of aneuploidy in squamous cancers, as well as how this impacts patient prognosis and treatment.

Inmunoterapia para el tratamiento del cáncer de cabeza y cuello ¿dónde estamos y hacia dónde vamos? / Immunotherapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer: where are we and where are we going?

El cáncer de cabeza y cuello comprende a todos aquellos tumores que se desarrollan en el tracto aerodigestivo superior, una de las características de éstos es su diversidad, que no es solo desde el punto de vista histológico y etiológico, sino que incluyen diversas formas de presentación, progresión y enfoques terapéuticos. Son de causa multifactorial, siendo el alcohol y el tabaco los principales factores de riesgo asociados; en los últimos años se ha relacionado a ciertos virus con potencial oncogénico con la génesis tumoral, entre ellos al Virus del Papiloma Humano, lo que ha permitido modificar el sistema de estadificación tumor primario-nodos linfáticos cancerosos-metástasis (TNM); presentándolo ahora en dos grandes grupos acorde a la Proteína supresora de tumores P16: P16+ y P16-,los cuales tienen características y manejo diferente. En vista de la heterogeneidad de la enfermedad, son diversos los tratamientos que se ha empleados para el manejo de la misma, entre ellos cirugía, radioterapia, quimioterapia e/o inmunoterapia; ésta última terapéutica, está dirigida hacia la estimulación del sistema inmune del paciente con la finalidad de generar la destrucción de las células tumorales, se realizan previo a una intervención quirúrgica para reducir el tamaño del tumor. Una forma destacable, es la del bloqueo de puntos de control inmunitarios, especialmente hacia proteínas de control inmune moduladoras de respuesta de células T, como los anti-PD-1 y los anti-CTLA-4. La inmunoterapia cada vez va tomando más protagonismo en oncología, en especial las formas de evasión de las reacciones inmunitarias por parte de las células cancerígenas(AU)

Head and neck cancer includes all those tumors that develop in the upper aerodigestive tract, one of the characteristics of these is their heterogeneity, which is not only from the histological and etiological, but also include various forms of presentation, progression and therapeutic approaches.They have a multifactorial cause, with alcohol and tobacco being the main associated risk factors, however, in recent year scertain viruses with oncogenic potential have been linked to tumor genesis, including HPV, which has made it possible tomodify the TNM staging system; now presenting it in two large groups, P16+ and P16-, which have different characteristics and management. In view of the heterogeneity of the disease, there are various treatments that have been used to manageit, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and/ orimmunotherapy which will be determined taking into account the location and tumor extension. The latter treatment, is aimedat stimulating the patient's immune system in order to generate the destruction of tumor cells, are performed prior to a surgical intervention to reduce the size of the tumor. A remarkable therapy is that of blocking immune checkpoints, especially anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA. Immunotherapy is becoming more and more prominent, however, there is still much to discover, so we believe that we should continue investigating the ways of evasion of immune reactions by cancer cells(AU)

The use of biomarkers and HPV genotyping to improve diagnostic accuracy in women with a transformation zone type 3.

BACKGROUND: Twenty percent of women referred to colposcopy have a type 3 transformation zone-where colposcopic assessment for high-grade dysplasia (CIN2+) is not possible. This study examines the effectiveness of HPV biomarkers and genotyping in combination with techniques that sample an endocervical TZ. METHODS: A prospective diagnostic accuracy study. Women booked for large-loop excision (LLETZ) with squamous dyskaryosis, high-risk HPV and a TZ3 were recruited. Immediately prior to LLETZ samples were collected for p16/Ki-67 dual-stained cytology, HPV genotyping and H&E, p16- and Ki-67-stained endocervical curettings. RESULTS: In women with low-grade screening (n = 64), 35.9% had CIN2+; dual-stained cytology had the greatest effect on the PPV of routine screening (76.1% vs 35.9%) and perfectly predicted the absence of CIN2+. In women with a high-grade screening result (n = 37); 75.6% had CIN2+ and dual-stained curettings improved the PPV (96.5 vs 75.6%). CONCLUSIONS: With high-grade screening and a TZ3, LLETZ appears safest as three quarters have CIN2+ . Women with low-grade screening and a TZ3 have a twofold increased risk of CIN2+ when compared to women where the TZ is visible. The use of dual-stained cytology may help identify those women who can be safely offered surveillance and those who require treatment.

Cervical cancer burden, status of implementation and challenges of cervical cancer screening in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

Multiple barriers impede the transformation of evidence-based research into implementation of cervical cancer screening in ASEAN countries. This review is the first of its kind to show the disease burden of cervical cancer, progress till date to implement screening and corresponding challenges, and propose tailored solutions to promote cervical cancer prevention in ASEAN. In 2020, approximately 69 000 cervical cancer cases and 38 000 deaths happened in ASEAN, and more than 44% and 63% increases on new cases and deaths are expected in 2040. Only four countries have initiated population-based cervical cancer screening programs, but the participation rate is less than 50% in some countries and even lower than 10% in Myanmar and Indonesia. Inequity and unavailability in service delivery, lack of knowledge and awareness, limited follow-up and treatment capacity, and funding sustainability affect successful scale-up of cervical cancer screening most in ASEAN. Implementing HPV detection-based primary screening, appropriate management of screen-positives, enhancing health education, integrating health services can accelerate reduction of cervical cancer burden in ASEAN. Achieving high screening coverage and high treatment compliance will help ASEAN countries remain aligned to cervical cancer elimination strategies.

Association of a genetic variant in Interleukin-10 gene with increased risk and inflammation associated with cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cervical-cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer and altered serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. We have explored the association between a genetic variation in the Interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene (rs1800896) and cervical cancer risk and its relationship with tissue Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations in women with cervical cancer. METHODS: A total of 315 women with, or without cervical cancer, were recruited into the study. DNA was extracted from cervical cells, and genotyping was undertaken using Taq-man real-time PCR. The genotype frequency and allele distribution were analyzed together with their association with pathological data. The association of the rs1800896 gene variation with tissue levels of the inflammatory cytokines was also investigated. RESULTS: Our data showed a significant association between the A allele of the rs1800896 gene variant and the presence of cervical cancer. In particular, patients with AG/AA genotypes had an increased risk of cervical cancer with an odds ratio of 1.929 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.879-4.23, P < 0.001) in a recessive model, compared with the GG genotype. Also, the tissue concentrations of IFN-γ, TGF-ß, and TNF-α in cervical tissues were significantly higher in women with cervical cancer (P < 0.001) and were associated with the AA genotype. CONCLUSION: We have found an association between the polymorphism rs1800896 in the IL-10 gene and an increased risk of cervical cancer as well as a higher level of tissue inflammatory cytokines. Further investigations are necessary on the value of emerging biomarkers for the risk stratification for the management of cervical cancer patients.

The role of NFKB1/NFKBIA genetic variants in HPV infection: A cross-sectional cohort study.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most frequent etiological agent sexually transmitted. In the context of the immune response, NF-kB pathway plays an important role controlling the expression of several genes essential to cellular activity and structural and/or functional changes in components of this pathway can promote the development of several tumors. Thus, the study purpose was to evaluate the influence of NFKB1 rs28362491 and NFKBIA rs696 genetic variants on HPV infection and cervical lesions development. In this study 334 patients were recruited, of whom 48.8% (n = 163) were HPV infected, and considered our case group. HPV-DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the genetic variants were assessed in blood cells and tumor tissues paraffin embedded samples through restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Among women who were recruited for this study who were infected, 37.4% presented precursor lesions and 16.8% were diagnosed with cervical cancer (CC). The present study did not observe significant effects of the interaction between such genetic variants on HPV infection, nor on the development of lesions and progression to CC. Further studies will be important to investigate if under some circumstance the NFKB1 rs28362491 and NFKBIA rs696 genetic variants influence the progression of HPV-associated lesions.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the papillomavirus prevalence in breast cancer fresh tissues.

BACKGROUND: Although widely studied, the role of HPV in the genesis of breast carcinomas remains elusive due to the diversity of results across studies, possibly caused by the wide methodological heterogeneity, some of them with inadequate methods. OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between HPV and breast cancer through the meta-analysis of studies that used the best-recognized techniques for viral detection and tissue conservation. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis restricted to studies that detected HPV by PCR in fresh and frozen tissue from breast cancer were conducted to obtain greater homogeneity. PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and SciELO were searched until December 14, 2019. Search terms included "breast cancer" and "HPV" without language restrictions. Eleven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled relative risks and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I-squared (I2). RESULTS: The selected studies had very low heterogeneity (2%). There is a 2.15 times higher combined relative risk (95% CI = 1.60-2.89) of detecting HPV in breast cancer than in cancer-free breast controls with a statistically significant p-value (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data support the association of DNA-HPV with breast carcinomas. Further studies are needed to find out which breast cancer subtypes this association is most frequent.

Percepción del riesgo de infección con virus del papiloma en jóvenes universitarios / Risk Perception about Papilloma Virus Infection in University Students

Introducción: El virus del papiloma humano es considerado la enfermedad de transmisión sexual de mayor prevalencia. El 50 por ciento de la población sexualmente activa ha tenido contacto con el virus alguna vez en su vida. Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de conocimientos y la percepción de riesgo que tiene la población universitaria de Machala acerca de la infección por virus del papiloma humano, sus aspectos generales, su transmisión y consecuencias. Métodos: Estudio transversal, cuantitativo, realizado con 239 estudiantes universitarios de uno y otro sexo. Fueron utilizadas: encuesta sobre el virus de papiloma humano en adultos, modificado con el Cuestionario de Vulnerabilidad al virus del Papiloma Humano. Resultados: Refirió que no había escuchado sobre el virus el 37,2 por ciento, principalmente estudiantes masculinos, se evidenciaron diferencias significativas (p = 0,000) en el conocimiento de la enfermedad de acuerdo al género. El 67,3 por ciento refirió nunca haber recibido charla educativa sobre el virus. La mayoría respondió adecuadamente a la forma de transmisión, que afecta a hombres como mujeres, las formas de protección, que provoca verrugas genitales, y la neoplasia del cuello uterino. Sin embargo, se encontró desconocimiento sobre la vacuna, la utilidad del Papanicolau, que esta enfermedad puede ser asintomática e incurable, y su relación con otras neoplasias. Conclusiones: La percepción de riesgo de los estudiantes fue muy baja en sentido general y más deficiente en hombres que en mujeres. En las comparaciones por sexo, se evidenció que aquellos estudiantes que recibieron charlas educativas por personal de la salud se asocian con un mejor conocimiento sobre el virus del papiloma humano(AU)

Introduction: The human papilloma virus is considered the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease. 50 percent of the sexually active population has had contact with the virus at some time in their lives. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and risk perception of the university population of Machala about human papillomavirus infection, its general aspects, its transmission and consequences. Methods: A cross-sectional and quantitative study carried out with 239 university students of both sexes. We used a survey on human papillomavirus in adults, modified with the Human Papillomavirus Vulnerability Questionnaire. Results: 37.2 percent reported that they had not heard about the virus, mainly male students. There were significant differences (P=0.000) regarding the knowledge of the disease according to gender. 67.3 percent reported that they have never received an educational talk about the virus. Most of them responded adequately to the mode of transmission, that the virus affects men as well as women, the forms of protection, that it causes genital warts and neoplasia of the cervix. However, ignorance was found about the vaccine, the usefulness of the Pap smear test, that this disease can be asymptomatic and incurable, and its relationship with other neoplasms. Conclusions: The risk perception of the students was very low in general and more deficient in men than in women. In the comparisons by sex, it was evidenced that those students who received educational talks by the health personnel are associated with better knowledge about human papillomavirus(AU)

Overview of Candida albicans and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Agents and their Biomolecular Mechanisms in Promoting Oral Cancer in Pediatric Patients.

Oral carcinoma represents one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) account over 90% of all oral malignant tumors and are characterized by high mortality in the advanced stages. Early diagnosis is often a challenge for its ambiguous appearance in early stages. Mucosal infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for a growing number of malignancies, particularly cervical cancer and oropharyngeal carcinomas. In addition, Candida albicans (C. albicans), which is the principal fungi involved in the oral cancer development, may induce carcinogenesis through several mechanisms, mainly promoting inflammation. Medical knowledge and research on adolescent/pediatric patients' management and prevention are in continuous evolution. Besides, microbiota can play an important role in maintaining oral health and therefore all human health. The aim of this review is to evaluate epidemiological and pathophysiological characteristics of the several biochemical pathways involved during HPV and C. albicans infections in pediatric dentistry.

Tetraspanins: Host Factors in Viral Infections.

Tetraspanins are transmembrane glycoproteins that have been shown increasing interest as host factors in infectious diseases. In particular, they were implicated in the pathogenesis of both non-enveloped (human papillomavirus (HPV)) and enveloped (human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Zika, influenza A virus, (IAV), and coronavirus) viruses through multiple stages of infection, from the initial cell membrane attachment to the syncytium formation and viral particle release. However, the mechanisms by which different tetraspanins mediate their effects vary. This review aimed to compare and contrast the role of tetraspanins in the life cycles of HPV, HIV, Zika, IAV, and coronavirus viruses, which cause the most significant health and economic burdens to society. In doing so, a better understanding of the relative contribution of tetraspanins in virus infection will allow for a more targeted approach in the treatment of these diseases.

Genotype distribution of cervical HPV among Caribbean women in a population-based study in Martinique: The DEPIPAPUFR study.

The Caribbean ranks seventh among the world regions most affected by cervical cancer. HPV-prevalence and genotype distributions also differ from regions. Knowledge of HPV genotype profiles is important for patients care and HPV vaccination implementation. The objective of this study was to describe HPV genotype distribution and risk factors in a population-based cohort of women in Martinique. In this study, 1312 women were included and underwent cervical cancer screening with successful sample collection between 2009 and 2014. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were recorded. Cytological examination of cervical vaginal smear was performed and classified(Bethesda). Detection of HPV DNA was performed with the PapilloCheck© Kit from Greiner Bio-one. Genotypes were analyzed for18 high-risk HPV (hrHPV) and 6low-risk HPV(lrHPV) types. A total of 1075 women were included with a mean age of 49.1±10.5 years. HPV prevalence was 27.6% (297/1075) with 19.4% (209/1075) women with only hrHPV, 5.3% (57/1075) with only lrHPV. Multiple infections (hrHPV/lrHPV) were detected in 31/240 cases of hrHPV (12.9%). A total of 353 hrHPV genotypes were analyzed; the most common HPV types were HPV51 (11.0%), HPV68 (10.8%), HPV53 (9.1%) and HPV 52 (7.1%). HPV16 and HPV18 represented respectively 4.8% and 4.0% of hrHPV genotypes. Abnormal cytology was observed in 34 cases (3.2%), with 14 ASCUS (1.3%), 10 LSIL (0.9%), 5 HSIL (0.5%), 3 ASC-H (0.3%) and 2 AGC (0.2%). Fifteen (44.1%) were hrHPV and 4 (14.7%) lrHPV; 7 cases of hrPHV were in the age-group 25-34 years. Among 1041cases of normal cytology, 225 had positive hrHPV detection (21.6%). This is the first population-based study of HPV profiles in our country, and we found a high prevalence of hrHPV. The most common genotypes were HPV51, 68, 53. These results could serve for cancer vaccination strategies and HPV surveillance in Martinique.