The HPV Paradox

Papilloma virus protects carriers from skin cancer

Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+

There are more than 100 strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), of which at least 14 increase the risk of developing tumors of the cervix, head and neck and other types of cancer. Today, most people who have sex become infected with one or more strains of the virus. A new study by American scientists provides the first evidence that non-oncogenic HPV strains enhance immune protection against the development of skin cancer, according to a press release from Massachusetts General Hospital Immune response against skin-dwelling viruses prevents cancer.

The article by Strickley et al. Immunity to viral papillomaviruses protects against skin cancer is published in the journal Nature – VM.

The study showed that non-oncogenic HPV strains increase the production of T cells that help fight cancer.

In other words, the presence of a "good" strain of virus on the skin activates the immune system, and indirectly it helps to resist skin cancer.

Scientists conducted experiments on skin tumor cell samples from humans and mice and found that the presence of non-oncogenic HPV strains set up the immune system against the tumor. The immune system recognized the virus, although it did not cause negative consequences for the body, and sent T cells there for protection. In fact, T cells helped fight squamous carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer.

The scientists then observed how the presence of HPV affected the development of cancer in mice. The team found that the tumor grew faster in mice without HPV.

The authors will continue their research to find out how non-oncogenic strains of the virus can be used to prevent skin cancer.

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