Prospects for a vaccine against human papillomavirus.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize existing data regarding the feasibility of developing strategies for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.


METHODS
We used the Medline data base and reference lists of articles to identify English-language papers that evaluate strategies for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination against HPV infection.


METHODS
Our search uncovered several reports of systems that produce recombinant HPV major capsid proteins as antigens for biochemical, molecular, and immunologic studies and investigations that evaluate cell-mediated immune responses to HPV-induced, tumor-associated peptides.


METHODS
Recombinant HPV major capsid proteins, which self-assemble into virus-like particles, are produced in quantity, mimic the conformation of native virions, react with neutralizing antibodies, and are type-specific. Human papillomavirus early viral peptides induce cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses that retard tumor progression and protect against tumor development after challenge in animal models.


CONCLUSIONS
Recombinant papillomavirus virus-like particles are highly antigenic, protective in animal models, lack potentially carcinogenic viral DNA, and are, therefore, ideal candidates for a prophylactic vaccine against HPV infection. Immunization with HPV tumor peptides may be beneficial in tumor prevention, regression, and rejection. Vaccines against HPV infection can be important in reducing the incidence of cervical dysplasia and carcinoma worldwide, particularly in developing countries.
Hines
J F
JF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Ghim
S
S
Schlegel
R
R
Jenson
A B
AB
D000818:Animals; D002213:Capsid / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000276:immunology*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014765:Viral Vaccines
D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014765:Viral Vaccines