Preventive and Therapeutic Vaccines against Human Papillomaviruses Associated Cervical Cancers

Abstract

Cervical cancer is, globally known to be, one of the most common cancers among women especially in<br/>developing countries. More than 90% of cervical cancers are associated with high-risk human<br/>papillomaviruses (HPVs) particularly HPV types 16 and 18. Two major strategies have been developed for<br/>prevention and treatment of cervical cancer and other HPV-associated malignancies; the first one is based on<br/>HPV virus-like particles (VLPs) containing HPV structural proteins. VLP based vaccines can induce<br/>genotype specific virus neutralizing antibodies for preventing HPV infections. The other strategy is based on<br/>HPV early genes especially E6 and E7 for eliminating the established HPV infections; therefore they are<br/>classified as HPV therapeutic vaccines. This article reviews the preventive and therapeutic vaccines against<br/>HPV infections and cervical cancer.