Adaptive immune resistance in HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Sara I Pai

doi:10.4161/onci.24065

Adaptive immune resistance in HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Oncoimmunology. 2013 May 1;2(5):e24065. doi: 10.4161/onci.24065.

Author

Sara I Pai¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA ; Department of Oncology; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA.

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) types associated with head and neck cancer generally induce a robust immune response. Despite the establishment of such an inflammatory microenvironment, HPV is able to persist and promote malignant transformation. The PD-1:PD-L1 immune checkpoint may play a critical role in the creation of an immunoprivileged site for viral persistence and the subsequent development of cancer.

Keywords: HPV; PD-1; PD-L1; head and neck cancer; immune checkpoints.