High Prevalence of Genital Human Papillomavirus Infection in Patients With Primary Immunodeficiencies.

Background: Genital human papillomavirus (HPV)-infections are common in the general population and are responsible for relevant numbers of epithelial malignancies. Much data on the HPV-prevalence is available for secondary immunodeficiencies, especially for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection. Little is known about the genital HPV-prevalence in patients with primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of patients with PIDs and took genital swabs from male and female patients, which were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction for the presence of HPV-DNA. Clinical and laboratory data was collected to identify risk factors. Results: 28 PID patients were included in this study. 10 of 28 (35.7%) had HPV-DNA in their genital swabs. 6 patients had high-risk HPV-types (21.4%). Most patients had asymptomatic HPV-infections, as genital warts were rare (2 of 28 patients) and HPV-associated malignancy was absent. Differences in the HPV-positivity regarding clinical PID-diagnosis, duration of PID, age, sex, immunosuppression, immunoglobulin replacement, or circumcision in males were not present. HPV-positive PID patients had higher numbers of T cells (CD3+), of cytotoxic T cells (CD3+/CD8+), of transitional B cells (CD19+/CD38++/CD10+/IgD+), and of plasmablasts (CD19+/CD38+/CD27++/IgD-) compared to HPV-negative. Conclusion: PID patients exhibit a high rate of genital HPV-infections with a high rate of high-risk HPV-types. Regular screening for symptomatic genital HPV-infection and HPV-associated malignancy in PID patients seems recommendable.

Applications of a Standardized Green Tea Catechin Preparation for Viral Warts and Human Papilloma Virus-Related and Unrelated Cancers.

Most cell-based and animal experiments have shown that green tea catechins (GTC) exhibit various health benefits. In human experimental and epidemiological studies, there are conflicting results, and more precise investigations are required. One of the most effective ways to prove beneficial health effects in humans might be clinical intervention studies. Polyphenon®E was developed as a standardized GTC preparation, which was approved by Food and Drug Administration of US in 2006 as a medication to treat genital warts (Veregen® or sinecatechins). Positive efficacy of Polyphenon®E/sinecatechins/Veregen® (PSV) on anogenital warts has been demonstrated in several epidemiological studies and there have been several case reports to show the clinical effectiveness of PSV. In addition, several studies have provided evidence to suggest that PSV is effective in other human papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases, although some studies failed to show such effects. Since (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the major component of PSV, the mechanism of the action of PSV might be deduced from that of EGCG. The microarray analysis of the biopsy samples from the patients suggested that apoptosis induction and the downregulation of inflammation are involved in the mechanism of the action of PSV in the clearance of anogenital warts. Cell-based and animal experiments using PSV also demonstrated effects similar to those elicited by EGCG, explaining how PSV works to induce apoptosis and exert anti-inflammatory actions in HPV-related diseases. Future studies would clarify what kinds of diseases respond effectively to PSV, showing health benefits of GTC and EGCG in humans.

Aspects of Langerhans cells and TNF-α in the cutaneous immunity of anogenital warts.

BACKGROUND: Anogenital warts are the leading sexually transmitted infection in patients seeking care at specialized clinics. They may display a vast array of forms, according to the interaction of the virus with the host's immunity. Cellular immunity is the epithelium's main form of defense against the virus, involving an active participation of the Langerhans cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. OBJECTIVE: To assess the epithelial immune response of anogenital warts in males, according to the number of lesions presented. METHODS: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study carried out at the dermatology outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital. We included male patients over 18 years of age without comorbidities who had anogenital condylomata and no previous treatments.In order to evaluate the local epithelial immunity, the lesions were quantified, then removed and employed in CD1a immunohistochemistry assays for assessing the morphometry and morphology of Langerhans cells; TNF-α; reaction was used for determining cytokine positivity in the epithelium. RESULTS: 48 patients were included in the study. There was no statistically significant difference as to the number of Langerhans cells, in their morphology, or the presence of TNF-α. However, patients presenting with more Langerhans cells in the lesions had cells with a star-like and dendritic morphology, whereas in those with a lower cell count had cells with a rounded morphology and no dendrites (p<0.001). STUDY LIMITATIONS: Small number of patients analyzed. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in epithelial immunity between patients having few or many anogenital condyloma lesions as measured by the morphology and morphometry of Langerhans cells and TNF-α; positivity. Such an assessment employing immunity markers differing from the usual ones is expected to yield useful results.

Aspects of Langerhans cells and TNF-α in the cutaneous immunity of anogenital warts

Abstract Background: Anogenital warts are the leading sexually transmitted infection in patients seeking care at specialized clinics. They may display a vast array of forms, according to the interaction of the virus with the host's immunity. Cellular immunity is the epithelium's main form of defense against the virus, involving an active participation of the Langerhans cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. Objective: To assess the epithelial immune response of anogenital warts in males, according to the number of lesions presented. Methods: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study carried out at the dermatology outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital. We included male patients over 18 years of age without comorbidities who had anogenital condylomata and no previous treatments.In order to evaluate the local epithelial immunity, the lesions were quantified, then removed and employed in CD1a immunohistochemistry assays for assessing the morphometry and morphology of Langerhans cells; TNF-α; reaction was used for determining cytokine positivity in the epithelium. Results: 48 patients were included in the study. There was no statistically significant difference as to the number of Langerhans cells, in their morphology, or the presence of TNF-α. However, patients presenting with more Langerhans cells in the lesions had cells with a star-like and dendritic morphology, whereas in those with a lower cell count had cells with a rounded morphology and no dendrites (p < 0.001). Study limitations: Small number of patients analyzed. Conclusion: There was no difference in epithelial immunity between patients having few or many anogenital condyloma lesions as measured by the morphology and morphometry of Langerhans cells and TNF-α; positivity. Such an assessment employing immunity markers differing from the usual ones is expected to yield useful results.

Omiganan Enhances Imiquimod-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Skin of Healthy Volunteers.

Omiganan (OMN; a synthetic cationic peptide) and imiquimod (IMQ; a TLR7 agonist) have synergistic effects on interferon responses in vitro. The objective of this study was to translate this to a human model for proof-of-concept, and to explore the potential of OMN add-on treatment for viral skin diseases. Sixteen healthy volunteers received topical IMQ, OMN, or a combination of both for up to 4 days on tape-stripped skin. Skin inflammation was quantified by laser speckle contrast imaging and 2D photography, and molecular and cellular responses were analyzed in biopsies. IMQ treatment induced an inflammatory response of the skin. Co-treatment with OMN enhanced this inflammatory response to IMQ, with increases in perfusion (+17.1%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.6%-30%; P < 0.01) and erythema (+1.5; 95% CI 0.25%-2.83; P = 0.02). Interferon regulatory factor-driven and NFκB-driven responses following TLR7 stimulation were enhanced by OMN (increases in IL-6, IL-10, MXA, and IFNÉ£), and more immune cell infiltration was observed (in particular CD4+, CD8+, and CD14+ cells). These findings are in line with the earlier mechanistic in vitro data, and support evaluation of imiquimod/OMN combination therapy in human papillomavirus-induced skin diseases.

Highlighting a Potential Pitfall: Positive Treponema pallidum Immunohistochemical Stain in a Patient Without Syphilis.

The Treponema pallidum antibody immunohistochemical (IHC) stain has improved our ability to detect the organism histologically. We present a case of a man with genital condyloma acuminatum with a positive T. pallidum IHC stain but negative T. pallidum serologies and no syphilitic symptoms. It has been shown that the T. pallidum antibody IHC can cross-react, staining other spirochetes, including Borrelia burgdorferi and the Brachyspira family of intestinal spirochetes. Because of the proximity of our patient's lesions to the anus, and the persistently negative T. pallidum serologies, we believe nontreponemal spirochetes colonized the condyloma, giving a false-positive T. pallidum IHC. This cross-reactivity is a potential diagnostic pitfall and is important for the dermatopathologist to recognize, thereby avoiding false diagnosis of syphilis.

Human papillomavirus type 7-associated anal condyloma after renal transplantation in a child.

The prevalence, clinical significance, and spectrum of many HPV genotypes are currently largely untapped. We report a case of anal condyloma associated with a rare HPV genotype in a 11-year-old kidney transplant recipient. Eleven months post-graft, rectal bleeding revealed a 5-cm-large anal condyloma for which immuno-histopathology revealed typical papillomatosis. HPV genotyping performed on anal biopsy identified a HPV type 7, for which a single sequence was found in the GenBank sequence database. HPV7 is classically found in hand cutaneous warts, but HPV7-associated condyloma was only described in two patients. Total resection of the anal lesion was performed by electrocoagulation with no recurrence after 6 years. Post-transplant immunosuppression may promote anal condyloma with uncommon HPV types. HPV genotyping in such lesions is useful to get a better understanding of the epidemiology and clinical significance of such unusual HPV types as HPV7.

Can quadrivalent human papillomavirus prophylactic vaccine be an effective alternative for the therapeutic management of genital warts? an exploratory study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the treatment effect of genital warts, we investigated the quadrivalent HPV vaccine injection compared with surgical excision. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 26 patients (M:F = 24:2) who received HPV vaccine or surgical excision. After explanation of surgical excision or HPV vaccine, 16 patients underwent surgical excision and the others received HPV vaccine injections. Based on gross findings of genital warts, treatment outcomes were classified as complete response (no wart), partial response, and failed treatment. Results: Among enrolled patients, 42% (11 / 26) patients had recurrent genital warts. In vaccination group, complete response rates of genital wart were 60% following 3 times HPV vaccine. Partial response patients wanted to excise the genital lesions before the 3 times injection, because they worried about sexual transmission of disease to their sexual partners. One patient underwent surgical excision after 3 times injection. Excision sites included suprapubic lesions, but other sites including mid-urethra and glans showed complete response after injection. At a mean follow-up period of 8.42 ± 3.27 months, 10 patients (100%) who received HPV vaccine did not show recurrence. Conclusion: The response rates after HPV vaccine injection were 90% (complete and partial). Our results suggested that HPV vaccines could be effective in management of genital warts.

Macrophages participate in the immunosuppression of condyloma acuminatum through the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether macrophages can participate in the immunosuppression of condyloma acuminatum (CA) by expressing PD-1/PD-L1. METHODS: The infiltration of macrophages and expression of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) on wart lesions and in normal skin tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry assay. The amounts of M1- and M2-type macrophages derived from THP-1 cells were measured by flow cytometry. The expression of cytokines on macrophages was examined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on macrophages was detected by western blotting. RESULTS: The macrophages were significantly increased, while PD-1 and PD-L1 were highly expressed on wart lesions compared to normal controls. More M2-like macrophages than M1-type macrophages were present on wart lesions. The M2-like macrophages in the CA groups showed high expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor (TGF-ß), PD-1, and PD-L1 compared to normal controls. CONCLUSION: Macrophages participate in the immunosuppression of CA by expressing PD-1/PD-L1.

Can quadrivalent human papillomavirus prophylactic vaccine be an effective alternative for the therapeutic management of genital warts? an exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment effect of genital warts, we investigated the quadrivalent HPV vaccine injection compared with surgical excision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 26 patients (M:F = 24:2) who received HPV vaccine or surgical excision. After explanation of surgical excision or HPV vaccine, 16 patients underwent surgical excision and the others received HPV vaccine injections. Based on gross findings of genital warts, treatment outcomes were classified as complete response (no wart), partial response, and failed treatment. RESULTS: Among enrolled patients, 42% (11 / 26) patients had recurrent genital warts. In vaccination group, complete response rates of genital wart were 60% following 3 times HPV vaccine. Partial response patients wanted to excise the genital lesions before the 3 times injection, because they worried about sexual transmission of disease to their sexual partners. One patient underwent surgical excision after 3 times injection. Excision sites included suprapubic lesions, but other sites including mid-urethra and glans showed complete response after injection. At a mean follow-up period of 8.42 ± 3.27 months, 10 patients (100%) who received HPV vaccine did not show recurrence. CONCLUSION: The response rates after HPV vaccine injection were 90% (complete and partial). Our results suggested that HPV vaccines could be effective in management of genital warts.

[5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for condyloma acuminata with high-risk HPV infection and local cellular immunoactivity of the patient].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effects of the 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) on condyloma acuminata with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cellular immunoactivity in the local tissue of the patient. METHODS: From January 2015 to January 2017, we treated 47 cases of condyloma acuminata with high-risk HPV infection in our hospital by simple excision of the wart (the control group, n = 21) or 1－5 times of ALA-PDT plus wart excision (the observation group, n = 26) and observed the changes in the number of warts and recurrence at 6 months after surgery. We excised all the warts in the control group and those >5 mm before ALA-PDT and >2 mm at 48 hours after 1－5 times of ALA-PDT in the observation group, followed by examination of the counts of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, CD4+ / CD8+ ratio, and number of CD68+ macrophages in the local tissue by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In the control group, the warts were completely removed in all the 21 cases but recurred in 9 (42.9%) at 6 months after surgery. In the observation group, 5 times of ALA-PDT achieved complete removal of the warts in 16 (61.5%) of the 26 patients, partial removal in 7 (26.9%), and inefficient removal in 3 (11.5%), with a total effective removal rate of 88.5% (23/26), a significantly lower 6-month recurrence rate (11.5% ï¼»3/26ï¼½) than in the control (P < 0.05), but no such severe complications as festering, scarring and pigmentation. Compared with the control group and the baseline, the observation group showed remarkable increases after 1, 3 and 5 times of ALA-PDT in the counts of CD4+ T lymphocytes (31.21 ± 6.23 and 30.27 ± 5.63 vs 56.88 ± 4.72, 54.67 ± 2.84 and 42.62 ± 2.31, P < 0.05) and CD8+ T cells (25.31 ± 3.51 and 27.35 ± 3.78 vs 48.87 ± 2.47, 45.41 ± 3.17 and 37.58 ± 3.32, P < 0.01) and the CD4+ / CD8+ ratio (1.21 ± 0.52 and 1.09 ± 0.37 vs 1.68 ± 0.52, 1.63 ± 0.45 and 1.42 ± 0.13, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), but exhibited no significant change in the count of CD68+ macrophages in the local tissue (23.31 ± 1.54 and 20.25 ± 1.28 vs 22.31 ± 2.73, 23.17 ± 2.41 and 21.35 ± 3.72, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ALA-PDT, with its advantages of high efficiency, little invasion and high safety, is effective for the treatment of condyloma acuminata with high-risk HPV infection and it can also improve cellular immunoactivity in the local tissue and reduce recurrence.

Condylomata Acuminata (Anogenital Warts) Contain Accumulations of HIV-1 Target Cells That May Provide Portals for HIV Transmission.

Background: Condylomata acuminata (anogenital warts [AGWs]) are prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals and sexually active populations at risk for HIV acquisition and have been associated with HIV transmission. We compared AGW specimens to control tissue specimens for abundance, types, and location of HIV target cells and for susceptibility to HIV infection in vitro, to provide biologic evidence that AGWs facilitate HIV transmission. Methods: We used immunohistologic staining to identify HIV target cells in AGW and control specimens. We also inoculated HIV in vitro into AGW and control specimens from HIV-negative men and assessed infection by means of TZM-bl and p24 assays. Results: CD1a+ dendritic cells, CD4+ T cells, and macrophages were significantly more abundant in the epidermis of AGW specimens than control specimens. These HIV target cells also often appeared in large focal accumulations in the dermis of AGW specimens. Two of 8 AGW specimens versus 0 of 8 control specimens showed robust infection with HIV in vitro. Conclusions: Compared with normal skin, AGWs contain significantly higher concentrations of HIV target cells that may be susceptible to HIV infection. Condylomata may thus promote HIV transmission, especially in the setting of typical lesion vascularity and friability. Prevention or treatment of AGWs may decrease the sexual transmission of HIV.

Advances in Designing and Developing Vaccines, Drugs and Therapeutic Approaches to Counter Human Papilloma Virus.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection with skin-to-skin based transmission mode. HPV annually caused over 500,000 cancer cases including cervical, anogenital and oropharyngeal cancer among others. HPV vaccination has become a public-health concern, worldwide, to prevent the cases of HPV infections including precancerous lesions, cervical cancers, and genital warts especially in adolescent female and male population by launching national programs with international alliances. Currently, available prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines are expensive to be used in developing countries for vaccination programs. The recent progress in immunotherapy, biotechnology, recombinant DNA technology and molecular biology along with alternative and complementary medicinal systems have paved novel ways and valuable opportunities to design and develop effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, drugs and treatment approach to counter HPV effectively. Exploration and more researches on such advances could result in the gradual reduction in the incidences of HPV cases across the world. The present review presents a current global scenario and futuristic prospects of the advanced prophylactic and therapeutic approaches against HPV along with recent patents coverage of the progress and advances in drugs, vaccines and therapeutic regimens to effectively combat HPV infections and its cancerous conditions.

Condyloma Acuminata of the Urethra in a Male Renal Transplant Recipient: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Condyloma acuminatum (CA) is a common sexually transmitted disease associated with human papilloma virus (HPV). CA occurring in the urethra is rare and has not been reported in male renal transplant recipients. In addition, despite immunosuppressive conditions and increased risk of HPV-related malignant neoplasms in transplant recipients, HPV testing in male transplant recipients has been uncommon. Here we report a case of urethral CA in a male deceased donor renal transplantation recipient and discuss the importance of HPV testing in male transplant recipients. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old male deceased donor renal transplant recipient presented with miction pain 5 years after the transplantation. He reported repeated urinary tract infections with no sexual contact since the renal transplantation. Multiple papillary tumors in his penile urethra were detected by cystoscopy, and a biopsy sample was pathologically diagnosed with CA. Transurethral tumor resection was performed, and the tumors were completely resected. Additional HPV risk type screening with a urethral smear sample showed the prevalence of low-risk HPV. Although tacrolimus was switched to everolimus and imiquimod cream was administered, the tumors recurred 6 months after the resection, and a second resection was performed. No further recurrence has been observed for 1 year to date. CONCLUSION: As the urethral CA was possibly related to immunosuppressive conditions and a risk for HPV-related malignant neoplasm, the case required careful diagnosis, including HPV risk type. The methodology of sampling for HPV testing in men has not been established. This case suggests the necessity for further discussion about HPV testing in male transplant recipients.

Development of a human papillomavirus type 6/11 vaccine candidate for the prevention of condyloma acuminatum.

Condyloma acuminatum (CA) represents a significant human papillomavirus (HPV) disease burden worldwide, resulting in substantial healthcare costs and loss of life quality in both genders. To address this problem, we tried to develop a bivalent HPV6/11 virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine targeting CA. HPV6/11 VLPs were generated in Hansenula polymorpha, and a disassembly and reassembly (D/R) treatment was further conducted to improve the stability and monodispersity of the VLPs. The HPV6/11 VLPs were identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrum (MS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), and were evaluated for their immunogenicity in both mice and cynomolgus monkeys. The results showed that the HPV6/11 L1 proteins were correctly expressed and assembled into HPV6/11 VLPs, and the HPV6/11 VLPs formulated with aluminum phosphate induced vigorous production of specific neutralizing antibodies against HPV6/11 VLPs in mice and cynomolgus monkeys. These data indicated that the Hansenula polymorpha-derived HPV6/11 VLPs could be formulated into a bivalent vaccine used in prevention of CA.

[Anogenital warts and HPV-associated precancers : Looking into the recently passed German S2k guideline]. / Anogenitale Warzen und HPV-assoziierte Präkanzerosen : Einblicke in die kürzlich konsentierte S2k-Leitlinie.

Anogenital warts are the most frequently sexually transmitted disease caused by viral infections worldwide. People's lifetime risk to suffer from this disease or HPV-associated precancers counts to more than 10%. The therapy and the recurrence rates of both disorders continue to be challenging in Germany because the coverage rate of the preventive HPV vaccination is still insufficient. This underlines the importance of a recently passed interdisciplinary German guideline on anogenital HPV lesions. This article summarizes the main aspects of the new guideline. Specialists should be consulted by children, pregnant women, individuals suffering from immunodeficiency and people frequently having relapses of HPV-associated diseases or having lesions being accessible only endoscopically.

Genital human papillomavirus infections.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections can have clinical presentations from self-limited benign growth in the skin and mucosal epithelia to malignant growth. HPV infects basal epithelial cells (undifferentiated keratinocytes) of the squamous-columnar junction, especially of the cervix. Although today we understand HPV oncogenesis very well, we have very powerful methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HPV related precancerous lesions, however, more than 270,000 women annually die from cervical cancer worldwide. Integrating HPV vaccination with new, more sensitive, cervical screening assays as part of routine preventive care will improve healthcare for all women. The availability of prophylactic HPV vaccines has provided powerful tools for primary prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV-associated diseases. Secondary prevention through primary high-risk HPV (hr-HPV) testing has the potential to further reduce morbidity and mortality of cervical cancer. However, to achieve the maximum benefit of screening, there is need to continue to identify women who are either unscreened or under-screened. Synergies between HPV vaccination and HPV screening is recommended to improve the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prevention HPV-related disease.

Dermatologic manifestations among human immunodeficiency virus patients in Morocco and association with immune status.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine if the type and number of skin diseases can be clinical indicators of underlying immune status in HIV1 disease by estimating and correlating with the CD4 count and CDC stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study. All consecutive patients infected with HIV1 followed at the Dermatology Department of Rabat Military Hospital between January 2008 and January 2017 were studied for dermatological manifestations, CD4 count and CDC clinical stage. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients with 304 dermatological manifestations were included. The most common dermatoses were fold dermatophytic infections (67%), genital warts (43%), herpes zoster (21%), xerosis (21%), and oral candidiasis (12%). The number of dermatologic manifestations was significantly greater in patients with CD4 count less than 200/mm3 or in stage C of the CDC classification. Five types of skin diseases (dermatophyte infections of the folds, genital warts, shingles, oral candidiasis, and seborrheic dermatitis) were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with CD4 count <200/mm3 . Seborrheic dermatitis was the only one skin disease significantly associated with AIDS stage. In multivariate analysis, genital warts (OR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.10-0.92) are independently associated with CD4 count less than 200 CD4/mm3 . CONCLUSIONS: Skin manifestations not only act as markers but also reflect the underlying immune status. Seborrheic dermatitis and genital warts appear to be a marker of immune status, and seborrheic dermatitis appears to be associated with CDC stage C, especially in their chronic and severe forms.

HPV11 E6 mutation by overexpression of APOBEC3A and effects of interferon-ω on APOBEC3s and HPV11 E6 expression in HPV11.HaCaT cells.

BACKGROUND: Condyloma acuminatum, infected by low-risk human papillomaviruses (e.g., HPV6 and HPV11), is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted diseases. Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3 proteins (APOBEC3s, A3s) are cellular cytidine deaminases acting as antiviral factors through hypermutation of viral genome. However, it remains unknown whether A3s results in HPV11 gene mutations and interferon-ω (IFN-ω) exhibits antiviral activities through the A3s system. Here we investigated whether enhanced APOBEC3A (A3A) resulted in the E6 gene mutations and explore the effects of recombinant human interferon-ω (rhIFN-ω) on A3s/E6 expression in HaCaT keratinocytes containing the genome of HPV 11 (HPV11.HaCaT cells). METHODS: A3A-overexpressed HPV11.HaCaT (A3A-HPV11.HaCaT) cells were established by lentiviral infection and verified by immunofluorescence and western-blotting. Cell cycle, E6 gene mutations, APOBEC3s/E6 gene expression and subcellular localization were detected by FACS, 3D-PCR and sequencing, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence respectively. RESULTS: The results suggested that A3A-HPV11.HaCaT cells were successfully established. Enhanced A3A induced S-phase arrest, G > A/C > T mutations and obvious reduction of E6 mRNA expression. A3A/A3B mRNA expression was up-regulated at 6 h and 12 h and obvious A3A staining existed throughout HPV11.HaCaT cells after rhIFN-ω treatment. RhIFN-ω could also inhibit mRNA expression of HPV11 E6 significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced A3A repressed HPV11 E6 expression through gene hypermutation, and rhIFN-ω might be an effective agent against HPV11 infection by up-regulation of A3A.

Two Landmark Studies Published in 1976/1977 Paved the Way for the Recognition of Human Papillomavirus as the Major Cause of the Global Cancer Burden.

Two groundbreaking reports were published in Acta Cytologica at the transition of 1976 to 1977. One appeared in the last issue of 1976 [Meisels and Fortin: Acta Cytol 1976;20:505-509] and the other in the first issue of 1977 [Purola and Savia: Acta Cytol 1977;21:26-31]. Today, 40 years later, it is not an overstatement to conclude that these are the two most influential studies ever published in this journal. Two reports with a similar content being published so close together (in the same journal) raised the question "Which of the two reports was truly submitted first?" In this commentary, this enigma is clarified beyond reasonable doubt, based on the well-considered testimonial of Prof. Leopold G. Koss, the reviewer of one of the two papers. To fully appreciate the significance of the novel discovery made in these two reports, it is essential to align them in the right context, both retrospectively and prospectively. This commentary will assist the reader by summarizing the existing knowledge on human papillomavirus (HPV) before these two milestone papers appeared, and describe the incredibly rapid progress that they evoked during the subsequent decades, which made HPV the single most important human tumor virus. As the final proof of virus-cancer causality, prophylactic HPV vaccines have been effective in preventing (a) virus transmission and HPV infection, (b) benign HPV-induced tumors (genital warts), and (c) cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Formal evidence of the prevention of cervical cancer by these HPV vaccines still awaits confirmation, and the same applies to the eventual prevention of human cancers at other anatomic sites, part of the global burden of oncogenic HPVs.